166,000 Passengers Affected as Anak Krakatau Eruption Shuts Soekarno-Hatta

September 7, 2026 | 10:27 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -The temporary closure of Indonesia’s main airport, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau affected 1,039 flights and disrupted travel for more than 166,000 passengers.

The airport suspended operations from 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 6, and extended the closure until 11:59 p.m. the same day after authorities detected a potential spread of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, according to the latest Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by AirNav Indonesia.

As of 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, 1,039 flights had been affected, including cancellations, delays, and flight diversions to other airports.

"The figure comprises 746 domestic flights, 272 international flights, and 21 cargo flights, affecting a total of 166,351 passengers," Yudistiawan, assistant deputy for communications and legal affairs at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport branch, said Monday, September 7.

Yudistiawan said the temporary closure, known as an aerodrome closure, was a precautionary measure taken to ensure flight safety.

Soekarno-Hatta airport management has continued coordinating with relevant stakeholders and monitoring conditions to manage flight operations and maintain passenger services, he said.

Airport activates passenger recovery measures

To assist affected passengers, Soekarno-Hatta activated its Service Recovery Activation (SRA) protocol. The airport provided food and refreshments and arranged buses at each terminal to transport passengers to hotels in coordination with airlines.

InJourney Airports also prepared free buses to provide an alternative means of transportation to Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang, and Surabaya.

"Initially, eight buses were prepared, with two buses allocated for each destination. The first departures were scheduled for 9 p.m. on Sunday, September 6," Yudistiawan said.

Airport staff provided information about the service directly to affected passengers at the terminals. Passengers wishing to use the buses could register at designated posts in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

The number of buses and departure times could be increased depending on passenger demand, Yudistiawan said.

The airport also designated several areas in the terminals as rest areas for affected passengers. The Employee Lounge, for example, was made available as a temporary resting area to provide passengers with a more comfortable place to wait.

A coordination post was also opened at Terminal 1B to support the handling of operational disruptions.

Airlines have established service desks at each terminal to provide information and assistance to affected passengers. Meanwhile, airport management has coordinated with commercial tenants to ensure essential services remain available around the clock during the temporary closure.

Operations to resume gradually

Soekarno-Hatta management is continuing to coordinate with relevant stakeholders on the impact of the closure, including flight schedule adjustments and passenger assistance.

"The recovery of airport operations will be carried out gradually, taking into account developments in volcanic ash conditions. Passenger safety remains our top priority," Yudistiawan said.

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