Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption Halts 301 Jakarta Flights, Strands Australians

Mount Anak Krakatau erupted late on September 5, sending volcanic ash across Indonesia and forcing the closure of six airports on September 6. Jakarta’s main international airport suspended 301 flights, including 58 international services, stranding hundreds of passengers. Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and AirAsia all cancelled services. Ash rose to 15,000 metres on the Sumatra side, with booming sounds heard up to 700 kilometres away.

How the eruption shut down Jakarta airport

Mount Anak Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait near Lampung, began erupting late on September 5. By Sunday morning, volcanic ash had drifted over Jakarta and surrounding areas. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, more than 150 kilometres from the volcano, detected ash in its airspace and halted all operations. The airport operator announced several extensions to the shutdown, initially keeping the airport closed until 1.30pm local time on Sunday, then extending to 5.30pm.

The scale of flight disruptions across Australia and the region

Airport operator Angkasa Pura reported that 301 flights were suspended, with 58 being international services. At least six flights in and out of Perth Airport were affected. Qantas said it had “disruptions to a number of Qantas services, including cancellations to and from Jakarta today”. Singapore Airlines cancelled at least 18 flights between Singapore and Jakarta on September 6. AirAsia cancelled or rescheduled all flights to and from Jakarta.

Ash height and ongoing volcanic activity

Indonesia’s meteorological agency BMKG recorded ash reaching 6,000 metres on the Java side of the volcano and 15,000 metres on the Sumatra side. The eruption produced booming sounds audible up to 700 kilometres away. Two additional eruptions were recorded on Sunday. Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency confirmed there was no imminent tsunami risk.

Health and school impacts beyond aviation

Volcanic ash irritation led several schools to cancel activities on September 5 and 6. Some fishermen also cancelled planned outings. Australia’s Smart Traveller website advised that volcanic ash may affect air quality, recommending people with asthma or respiratory conditions take extra care. The transport ministry confirmed positive test results indicating volcanic ash spread in the airport area.

What happens next for stranded travellers

Airlines provided food, light refreshments, and bus transport to hotels for affected passengers. Qantas said it was providing assistance to affected customers and would resume services when conditions allowed. All airlines advised passengers to monitor flight status and check with their airline or travel provider before travelling. Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation was closely monitoring the eruption and coordinating with airlines, airport operators, and meteorological agencies.

Final Thoughts

The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau on September 5-6 disrupted travel across Southeast Asia, with 301 flights suspended at Jakarta airport alone. Australian travellers faced cancellations on Qantas and other carriers. Conditions remained fluid, with airlines advising passengers to check flight status before travelling.

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