At KLIA, stranded travellers hope Jakarta flights resume soon after Anak Krakatau eruption

SEPANG, Sept 6 — At Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, passengers who arrived earlier today in hopes of catching a 8 am flight to Jakarta found themselves stranded for over 12 hours after their flight was cancelled. Redy Dwi Lingga, 21, recounted his experience of waiting at the airport from 6 am, expressing relief that the situation may improve soon.

He pleaded with authorities to provide regular updates on flight schedules for the well-being of the passengers. Another stranded passenger, Octavia Suci Siregar, 18, shared her disappointment over her 9.55 pm flight being cancelled, leaving her waiting for further information. She also requested airlines to promptly update flight schedules to help her plan her journey.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) reported that 31 flights to Jakarta were cancelled across all airports nationwide due to the temporary closure of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport caused by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau's eruption. KLIA had the highest number of cancellations, with 21 flights affected, comprising 15 at Terminal 1 and six at Terminal 2.

The eruption, which began Friday night, continues to produce lava fountains and loud noises, with volcanic ash reaching heights of 6,000 metres on the Java side and 15,000 metres over Sumatra and Banten province. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport resumed flight operations at 1.30 pm local time.