Indonesia volcano eruption leaves 270,000 stranded as airports extend closure
A volcanic eruption at Anak Krakatau in Indonesia has forced the closure of multiple airports, leaving 270,000 passengers stranded. Authorities have extended flight suspensions as volcanic ash continues to pose a significant safety risk to aviation.
Why it matters
The disruption highlights the vulnerability of global travel infrastructure to sudden natural disasters and the economic impact of regional environmental events.
Figure caption, Watch: Lava fountain and ash cloud as Indonesia volcano erupts
Some 270,000 passengers have been left stranded across Indonesia after a volcanic eruption grounded more than 2,000 flights and forced airports to suspend operations for a second day.
Anak Krakatau, located 150km (90mi) from Jakarta, began erupting late on Friday, producing lava fountains and sending volcanic ash into the capital and the Lampung province. It stayed seismically active throughout the weekend.
Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International and three other airports have extended closures till 18:00 local time on Monday after volcanic ash was detected in airspaces near them.
Schools in the region moved classes online while some shipping operations were also disrupted.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International and three other airports have extended closures till 18:00 on Monday
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