Volcano eruption triggers flight suspensions at Indonesia's main airport
A volcanic eruption at Anak Krakatau has forced the closure of eight Indonesian airports, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Volcanic ash has disrupted international flight paths across the region.
Why it matters
Volcanic activity poses significant risks to global aviation safety and highlights the fragility of international travel logistics.
Figure caption, Watch: Lava fountain and ash cloud as Indonesia volcano erupts
Around 170,000 passengers have been left stranded after a volcanic eruption forced Indonesian authorities to temporarily suspend operations at eight airports.
Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport was the first to be closed on Sunday morning after ash from Anak Krakatau was detected in airspace near the airport.
The transport ministry said 1,558 flights have been delayed with airports remaining closed until midnight.
The volcano had started erupting late on Friday night, generating continuous seismic activity, lava fountains, and booming sounds across surrounding regions. Two more eruptions happened early on Sunday, authorities said.
Image source, EPA Image caption, Anak Krakatau's latest eruption has cancelled flights and forced some schools to halt activities
The transport ministry said the pause in operations mainly affected flights to and from Singapore, also other international routes including Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.
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