Volcano eruption triggers flight suspensions at Indonesia’s main airport

A volcanic eruption at Mount Anak Krakatoa has disrupted flights at Indonesia's primary international airport, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. The eruption triggered the suspension of 209 flights on Sunday morning, causing tens of thousands of passengers to be stranded. The volcano had started erupting late on Friday night, accompanied by continuous seismic activity, lava fountains, and booming sounds.

Two more eruptions occurred early on Sunday, leading to the extension of the suspension until 13:30 on Sunday (0630 GMT).

The suspension mainly affected flights to and from Singapore, as well as other international routes such as Doha, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur. Indonesian authorities have confirmed that there is no tsunami warning related to the recent volcanic activity. The eruption is occurring in the Sunda Strait, between the islands of Java and Sumatra.

Indonesia is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its high volcanic and seismic activity. The health minister has advised residents in the affected areas to stay indoors and wear face masks to protect against potential health risks associated with the volcanic ash. Anak Krakatoa, meaning 'Child of Krakatoa', has been intermittently active since emerging from the sea at the beginning of the last century, following the eruption of Mount Krakatoa in 1883.