Krakatau ash disrupts air travel across region; 150,000 passengers stranded

The eruption of Anak Krakatau has created significant disruptions to regional aviation, with authorities shutting down eight airports as a precautionary measure against volcanic ash contamination. Approximately 150,000 passengers have been affected by the closures and subsequent flight cancellations, according to preliminary reports from aviation authorities across the region.

Volcanic ash from the volcano has been tracked moving eastward at approximately 15,000 feet, placing it directly within commercial flight paths. Airlines operating across South and Southeast Asia have suspended services on numerous routes to avoid engine damage and visibility hazards posed by the ash column.

Airport authorities in the affected regions have advised passengers to check with their airlines before proceeding to terminals, as additional closures remain possible depending on the ash column's trajectory and density. Meteorological agencies continue to monitor the volcano's activity and the movement of ash across regional airspace.

The incident marks another disruption caused by the volatile volcano, which straddles the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Officials have established coordination protocols with airlines to resume operations once ash concentrations fall to safe levels for air traffic.