Anak Krakatoa eruption forces closure of eight Indonesian airports, stranding 170,000 passengers

Jakarta, Indonesia - Around 170,000 passengers found themselves stranded after Indonesia's main international airport and seven others were closed following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatoa. On Saturday, the volcano spewed a plume of volcanic ash and lava, with ash detected in the airspace surrounding Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Authorities suspended operations at these airports until 8:59am due to increased eruptive activity. This disruption led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, affecting over 1,558 flights and stranding 170,000 passengers at the eight affected airports. Several alternative airports in cities like Semarang and Surabaya have been prepared for landing.

Officials are urging passengers to reschedule their flights, as many airports are still operating with reduced services. Furthermore, volcanic ash has reached the city of Bandar Lampung in southern Sumatra, blanketing roads and cars. The volcano, nicknamed "Child of Krakatoa," sits in a strait separating Java and Sumatra, where ships have been asked to exercise caution due to potential navigation disruptions.

Anak Krakatoa has been sporadically active since its emergence in the late 19th century, following the catastrophic eruption of Mount Krakatoa, which killed an estimated 35,000 people. Although the current eruption is not expected to trigger a tsunami, scientists warn against approaching the volcano, as materials ejected may endanger lives within the exclusion zone.