A significant volcanic eruption at Mount Anak Krakatau has caused widespread flight disruptions across Indonesia. More than 2,000 flights have been delayed, impacting over 270,000 passengers.
The eruption, which occurred late on Friday, forced the closure of eight Indonesian airports, including Soekarno-Hatta and Halim airports in Jakarta. Ash from the volcano reached heights of 50,000ft (15,000m) on the Sumatra side, leading to airport closures on safety grounds.
While both Jakarta airports have since reopened, continued flight disruptions, cancellations, and delays are being reported. Many affected flights were on routes between Bali and Jakarta, operated by airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia AirAsia, TransNusa, Citilink, and Pelita Air.
Mount Anak Krakatau has been on alert level 3, the second highest, since 2 July. The disaster mitigation agency has stated there is no imminent risk of a tsunami from this volcano. Four other Indonesian volcanoes – Mount Semeru, Merapi, Lewotobi Laki-laki, and Sinabung – are also at alert level 3.
The UK's Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued advice against all travel to specific exclusion zones around several volcanoes in Indonesia, including Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, Mount Sinabung, Mount Marapi, Mount Semeru, Mount Ruang, and Mount Ibu.