Indonesia reopens major airports after ash shutdown as stranded travellers welcome gradual return of flights

Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 8 — Major Indonesian airports resumed operations today, days after volcanic eruption of Anak Krakatau grounded flights and stranded more than 340,000 passengers. Five airports, including the country's main hub at Jakarta, reopened after authorities cleared volcanic ash from critical infrastructure.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that it might take "a bit" longer for flight schedules to return to normal, as authorities inspected nearly 180 aircraft at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to ensure airworthiness. Airport operator Angkasa Pura Indonesia reported that volcanic ash had been cleared from runways and other areas.

Three planes departed shortly after the airport reopened, carrying commercial flights to eastern Indonesia. One stranded Indonesian businessman expressed relief at the airport reopening, noting his urgency to travel abroad. A Japanese tourist, meanwhile, criticized the lack of clear information leading to confusion. The Anak Krakatau volcano erupted on Saturday, spewing ash and potentially impacting air travel across the region.