A volcanic eruption at Anak Krakatau has grounded more than 2,000 flights across Indonesia, leaving approximately 270,000 passengers stranded. Major hubs, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, have extended closures until late Monday due to the ongoing safety risks posed by volcanic ash.
The volcano, located in the Sunda Strait, began erupting late Friday and remains seismically active. Indonesia's meteorological agency reported that ash has reached altitudes of up to 15,000 meters, while the Geological Agency warned that the risk of further eruptions remains high. Authorities have established a three-kilometer exclusion zone around the crater for all air and maritime traffic, though no tsunami warning is currently in effect.
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi confirmed that officials are conducting frequent tests to monitor the spread of ash. While the duration of the airport closures remains uncertain, the minister noted that safety remains the primary priority for aviation authorities.
