Flights resume gradually in Indonesia after volcanic eruption

Indonesia's major airports resumed operations on Tuesday following a volcanic eruption that grounded flights earlier in the week. The eruption of Anak Krakatau disrupted nearly 3,000 flights and stranded over 340,000 passengers. Five airports, including the country's main hub serving Jakarta, reopened once authorities cleared volcanic ash from critical infrastructure.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi acknowledged that it may take a bit longer for flight schedules to return to normal as they ensure the airworthiness of nearly 180 jets at Jakarta's Soekarno–Hatta International Airport. Airport operators cleared the runway and other areas of volcanic ash to ensure safety for flights. One Indonesian businessman, relieved to see the airport reopen, expressed concern about the uncertainty surrounding his travel plans to Egypt.

Meanwhile, a Japanese tourist, frustrated by the lack of clear communication, hopes for smooth operations moving forward. The eruption of Anak Krakatau, which sits between Java and Sumatra, occurred at least three times on Tuesday morning.