Volcanic ash disrupts Jakarta flights, airlines cancel services

Dhaka: Air travel between Malaysia, Singapore and Jakarta has been disrupted after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau prompted Indonesian authorities to suspend operations at several airports.

Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air and Singapore Airlines canceled multiple services on September 6 as ash from the volcano affected flight operations at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Malaysia Airlines scrapped 12 flights between Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, while Batik Air canceled eight services linking Jakarta with Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Subang Airport. Singapore Airlines also canceled a number of round-trip services between Singapore and Jakarta, along with two additional relief flights.

The airlines said they were closely monitoring the situation and warned that further changes could follow as volcanic ash conditions evolve. Passengers were advised to check flight status updates and contact their airlines or booking providers regarding rebooking and refunds.

Indonesia has also temporarily closed several other airports across Java because of the volcanic activity. Among them are Halim Perdanakusuma, Radin Inten II, Pondok Cabe, Budiarto and Husein Sastranegara airports.

Authorities have identified Kertajati International, Jenderal Ahmad Yani International and Juanda International airports as alternative gateways for affected travelers.

Multiple eruptions from Anak Krakatau have been reported since late September 4, with volcanic ash reaching the Jakarta airport area by September 6.