Jakarta airports remain shuttered as volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau spreads

Indonesia's air transport network faced continued disruption Wednesday as volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau forced eight airports to remain closed, affecting thousands of travellers and stranding flights across the region's busiest aviation corridor.

The closure, now in its second day, encompasses major facilities serving the Jakarta metropolitan area. Authorities indicated that airports would remain shut until at least 6pm local time—7pm Singapore time—pending assessment of air quality conditions and visibility levels required for safe operations.

Anак Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, has been active in recent weeks, with ash emissions drifting across a wide area. The volcanic activity has created hazardous conditions for aircraft, forcing both local and international carriers to cancel or reschedule services.

Airports remained on high alert as meteorological services monitored the ash plume's movement and density. Airlines were advised to check with airport authorities before proceeding with scheduled flights, with many carriers offering rebooking options for affected passengers.

The disruption represents one of the region's most significant aviation incidents in recent months, highlighting the vulnerability of major transport hubs to volcanic activity in Indonesia's geologically active region.