Indonesia names three alternative airports as Anak Krakatoa closures rise to six

Indonesia has designated three new airports across Java as alternatives for diverted domestic and international flights due to volcanic ash from Anak Krakatoo. This follows the closure of six airports, with Husein Sastranegara in Bandung shutting at noon on Sunday. Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced Kertajati International in Majalengka, Jenderal Ahmad Yani in Semarang, and Juanda International in Sidoarjo as alternatives.

Purwagandhi stated, “There are several airports in Java that we are preparing as alternatives for landings by flights from outside Java as well as international flights.” The other five affected airports include Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta, Lampung's Radin Inten II, Halim Perdanakusuma in Pondok Cabe, and Budiarto. All six airports are expected to remain closed for at least four more hours.

Kertajati has already been used, with two Garuda Indonesia flights from Jeddah and Madinah diverted there. Airlines are advised to inform passengers promptly of cancellations and facilitate electronic refunds. The ministry encourages the use of rail, road, and sea transport for affected passengers and goods. Ferry services across the Sunda Strait, where Anak Krakatoa is located between Java and Sumatra, remain operational with no additional vessels deployed.