Anak Krakatau Eruption Triggers Flight Cancellations

The eruption of the Indonesian volcano Anak Krakatau forced six airports to close on Sunday, disrupting hundreds of flights at Jakarta's main airport and stranding hundreds of passengers. The eruption had also disrupted some school activities and fishing operations.

The restrictions affected 301 flights, including 58 international services, according to the operator of Soekarno-Hatta Airport. Singapore Airlines said it had canceled flights to and from Jakarta for the remainder of the day.

Anak Krakatau, located roughly halfway between the islands of Java and Sumatra, has been active since Friday evening. The Ministry of Transportation said volcanic ash was detected at the airport early Sunday morning.

According to the Indonesian meteorological agency BMKG, ash rose to a height of 6,000 m on the Java side of the volcano and up to 15,000 m on the Sumatra side.

(Reuters, sak)