Anak Krakatau Eruption 2026 Disrupts Jakarta Flights and Strands Thousands

The Anak Krakatau eruption 2026 has caused major travel disruption across Indonesia after volcanic ash forced flight suspensions at several airports, including Jakarta’s main Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

The volcano, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, had shown signs of increased activity since Friday before erupting early on Sunday, 6 September 2026. Volcanic ash later spread across parts of Jakarta, Banten, West Java and southern Sumatra.

Hundreds of Flights Affected

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport suspended operations until at least 5.30pm on Sunday after volcanic ash was detected around the airport.

Airport operator Angkasa Pura said 301 flights, including 58 international services, were affected by the suspension. Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines were among carriers cancelling Jakarta services for the day.

Associated Press reported that disruption across the wider airport network affected hundreds of flight movements and around 22,800 passengers at Soekarno-Hatta alone by mid-afternoon.

[Jakarta Flight Status] -> (Link to: official airport and airline flight updates)

Six Airports Suspend Operations

Airspace around Soekarno-Hatta, Halim Perdanakusuma and four other airports was affected as authorities responded to the volcanic ash.

Indonesia’s transport authorities identified several airports across Java as possible alternatives for diverted flights, including:

• Kertajati International Airport
• Ahmad Yani International Airport
• Juanda International Airport

Officials warned that delays could continue even after airports reopen because airlines must reorganise aircraft schedules, crews and passenger connections.

Ash Clouds Reach Up to 50,000 Feet

Weather and volcanology agencies detected two major ash clouds.

One plume reached about 20,000 feet, while another rose as high as 50,000 feet, spreading across Banten, Lampung, Bengkulu, the Sunda Strait and parts of the Indian Ocean.

Authorities advised residents in affected areas to:

• Wear masks and eye protection
• Reduce outdoor activity
• Protect water sources
• Drive carefully due to reduced visibility
• Stay at least 3km away from the crater

Some schools had already cancelled activities after residents reported eye irritation, while fishing activity was also disrupted.

No Immediate Tsunami Threat Reported

Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency said there was no immediate tsunami threat linked to the latest eruption.

However, Anak Krakatau remains closely monitored because of its history. A 2018 eruption triggered a tsunami that killed more than 400 people across Java and Sumatra.

The volcano remains at Alert Level 3, the second-highest level in Indonesia’s four-level warning system.

Key Facts

• Anak Krakatau erupted on 6 September 2026.
• Six airports suspended flight operations.
• At least 301 flights were affected at Jakarta’s main airport.
• Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines cancelled Jakarta services.
• Ash clouds reached up to 50,000 feet.
• No immediate tsunami threat was reported.
• Anak Krakatau remains at Alert Level 3.

What People Are Asking

Is Jakarta airport closed because of Anak Krakatau?

Flight operations at Soekarno-Hatta were temporarily suspended on 6 September because volcanic ash was detected around the airport.

Are Malaysia Airlines flights to Jakarta affected?

Yes. Malaysia Airlines said it cancelled flights to and from Jakarta for the rest of Sunday because of the eruption.

Is there a tsunami warning?

No immediate tsunami threat was reported by Indonesian authorities, although monitoring of the volcano continues.