Airports Shut as Volcano Erupts, Leaving Hundreds of Thousands Stranded
Anak Krakatau erupted on 6 September, sending ash and lava fountains toward Jakarta, forcing the national carrier to cancel over 2,000 flights and closing four major airports until the evening of Monday.
Jakarta’s Soekarno‑Hatta International Airport and three regional hubs were closed to all traffic at 18:00 local time on 8 September, creating a crisis that left roughly 270,000 passengers—business, leisure and transit—unable to leave.
Passengers queued in the departure halls struggled for refunds and updates as the Ministry of Transport monitored ash dispersion every 30 minutes, warning that further eruptions could still occur.
Schools shifted classes online and shipping services were disrupted, hinting at broader economic impacts beyond the immediate transport sector.
