Indonesia volcano disruption extends as 270,000 passengers affected
Extended airport closures and warnings of further eruptions are increasing uncertainty for travellers caught in widespread disruption across Indonesia
Travel disruption caused by the eruption of Anak Krakatau has intensified, with more than 270,000 passengers now affected and Indonesian authorities warning that further volcanic activity remains likely.
Around 2,300 flights have been cancelled, delayed, or diverted since volcanic ash began disrupting aviation, according to Indonesia’s transport ministry, significantly widening the impact since ITIJ first reported on the eruption.
Seven airports remained closed on Monday, including Jakarta’s main Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, as authorities continued to monitor the movement of ash through surrounding airspace. One airport in South Sumatra had reopened.
The disruption has affected domestic services as well as international connections, leaving some travellers facing several days before alternative flights are available.
One Malaysian couple returning from a honeymoon in Bali, for example, told the BBC they had been advised the next available flight to Kuala Lumpur would not depart until 11 September.
The prolonged disruption increases the potential for travellers to incur additional costs for accommodation, meals, and alternative transport while awaiting replacement flights. Whether such expenses are recoverable through travel insurance will depend on individual policy terms, limits, and the circumstances of the disruption.
Some passengers have already turned to alternative ground transport. One domestic traveller told the BBC she had travelled overnight on two intercity trains after repeated flight rescheduling, while queues formed at Jakarta’s main airport as passengers sought refunds and information about onward travel.
Indonesia’s Geological Agency said today (Monday 7 September) that the probability of further eruptions remained high, adding uncertainty over when normal flight operations could resume.
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said authorities could not determine when the disruption would end because of changing weather conditions. Airports have been carrying out regular tests to assess whether volcanic ash is spreading or subsiding.
Ash has reached heights of around 6,000m on the Java side of Anak Krakatau and 15,000m on the Sumatra side and in parts of Banten province, according to Indonesia's meteorological agency.
The eruption is also having effects beyond aviation. Some shipping operations have been disrupted, while authorities have established a 3km exclusion zone around the volcano for vessels travelling through the Sunda Strait.
Health warnings remain in place in affected areas because of exposure to volcanic ash, with residents advised to wear masks outdoors. Schools in Jakarta and Lampung have moved to remote learning to reduce health risks.
No tsunami warning has been issued in connection with the current volcanic activity.
The continuing uncertainty means disruption could extend beyond the initial cancellation of flights, particularly where travellers require additional accommodation, revised itineraries, or alternative routes home.
The duration of the airport closures and availability of replacement transport will be important in determining the eventual scale of the disruption.