Anak Krakatau eruption closes Jakarta's main airport for first time since 1992

Mount Anak Krakatau erupted on 6 September 2026, triggering volcanic ash that spread across Indonesia and forced the closure of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Soetta), Jakarta's largest aviation hub, for two consecutive days. The total shutdown marked the first complete closure of Soetta since 1992—a period of 34 years—and occurred even during the COVID-19 pandemic when the airport remained operational.

Operations Directorate Agus Haryadi of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) confirmed that the closure decision was made after Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed the presence of thick volcanic ash. The measure was taken to ensure flight safety, according to officials. Haryadi noted that the airport handled approximately 1,000 aircraft movements and 130,000 passengers daily. The closure extended beyond Soetta: Bandara Halim Perdanakusuma, Radin Inten II (Lampung), Husein Sastranegara (Bandung), and Tanjung Karang also closed, affecting an estimated 200,000 passengers across all facilities.

Preliminary warnings began on 5 September afternoon when Pelita Air, a domestic carrier, repeatedly alerted authorities to the volcanic ash threat. Pelita Air Safety Director Eriza Muslim described drawing on data from the Himawari satellite and coordinating with air traffic control authority Airnav and airport operators. The airline's concerns were echoed in coordination calls involving Indonesia's Directorate General of Civil Aviation and ultimately led to the decision by the Airport Authority head to halt all operations.

PT Angkasa Pura reported financial losses of 40 billion rupiah (approximately USD 2.5 million) over the two-day closure. Agus Haryadi stated that safety took priority over commercial considerations: "The closure is not an option. It had to be done. The primary reason is safety, because we are handling people's lives." During the closure, the airport operator arranged bus transportation to redirect passengers to alternate airports in Java, including Solo, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. Angkasa Pura also sheltered approximately 200 stranded Umrah pilgrims from Palangkaraya and other cities in its employee lounge and provided food and water to affected passengers waiting in terminals.