Batik Air cancels eight KL-Jakarta flights after volcanic eruption

KUALA LUMPUR: Batik Air has cancelled eight scheduled flights between Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta due to a volcanic eruption in Indonesia.

The said the flights were cancelled as a precautionary measure following continued volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, between Jawa and Sumatra.

The airline said the cancellations followed the latest Notice to Airmenissued by AirNav Indonesia, which indicated that flight operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta were affected.

"In view of the situation, the following scheduled flights have been cancelled, OD398, OD399, OD346 OD347, OD388, OD389, OD390 and OD391.

"The proactive step follows close coordination with aviation authorities and airport operators, with passenger and crew safety remaining its top priority," the statement added.

Batik Air said volcanic ash in the airspace could reduce visibility, interfere with aircraft navigation systems and potentially compromise engine performance.