{
  "id": 6136931,
  "title": "Update: Indonesia volcano eruption leaves 270,000 stranded as airports extend closure",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/update-indonesia-volcano-eruption-leaves-270-000-stranded-as-airports",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-07T12:26:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/world/update-indonesia-volcano-eruption-leaves-270000-stranded-as-airports-extend-closure/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Over 270,000 passengers have been stranded in Indonesia following a volcanic eruption that grounded more than 2,000 flights, leading to the closure of several airports for a second consecutive day. Anak Krakatau, situated 90 miles from Jakarta, commenced erupting late on Friday, releasing lava fountains and volcanic ash into the capital and Lampung province. The activity persisted throughout the weekend.\n\nJakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and three other airports have extended closures until Monday evening following the detection of volcanic ash in nearby airspaces. Schools in the region shifted to online classes, and some shipping operations were disrupted. Long lines formed at departure halls at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Monday, as stranded passengers sought refunds and updates on their travel options.\n\nOne passenger, Finna, who had planned to return home from Malang in East Java, recounted the chaotic scene at the airport as flights were repeatedly rescheduled. She spent the night on two intercity trains to avoid the uncertainty and hope for a better flight the following day.\n\nJo Shaw, a member of conservation charity Save the Rhino International, also faced the same predicament. Her team abandoned plans to visit Ujung Kulon National Park due to the heightened alert level for Anak Krakatau. The newlywed Malaysian couple, who had just spent a week in Bali, expressed their frustration at being stuck for days, as their return flight to Kuala Lumpur was not scheduled until September 11.\n\nIndonesia's Geological Agency cautioned that the likelihood of further eruptions in the coming periods remains high. Volcanic ash reached altitudes of up to 6,000m on the Java side and 15,000m on the Sumatra side, affecting some areas in Java's westernmost province Banten. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that the temporary airport closures were in place due to the unpredictable weather conditions and the ongoing tests to determine the extent of ash dispersion.\n\nAuthorities have warned residents to stay at least 3km away from the active crater and have prohibited ships from entering a 3km exclusion zone surrounding the volcano. No tsunami warning was issued in connection with the recent volcanic activity. Anak Krakatau, also known as Child of Krakatoa, has exhibited sporadic activity since its emergence from the sea in the early 20th century, following the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa. The latter triggered a devastating tsunami that claimed over 400 lives and displaced thousands in nearby coastal regions.",
  "summary": "Some 270,000 passengers have been left stranded across Indonesia after a volcanic eruption grounded more than 2,000 flights and forced airports to suspend operations for a second day. Anak Krakatau, located 150km (90mi) from Jakarta, began erupting late on Friday, producing lava fountains and sending volcanic ash into the capital and the Lampung province. It […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}