Volcano eruption triggers flight suspensions at Indonesia's main airport

A volcanic eruption has halted hundreds of flights at Indonesia’s main international airport, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded. Authorities reported that 209 flights were suspended after ash from Mount Anak Krakatoa was detected in the airspace near Jakarta’s Soekarno‑Hatta International Airport on Sunday morning. The volcano began erupting late Friday night, producing continuous seismic activity, lava fountains and booming sounds across the surrounding region. Two additional eruptions occurred early Sunday, officials said. More than 22,000 people have been affected by the flight suspension, which has been extended until 13:30 local time (06:30 GMT). The transport ministry said the disruption chiefly impacted flights to and from Singapore, as well as other international routes to Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur. Officials confirmed there is no tsunami warning linked to the latest activity of the volcano, which lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. The health ministry has urged residents in affected areas to remain indoors and wear masks to protect against respiratory, eye and skin hazards. Anak Krakatoa, meaning “Child of Krakatoa,” has been intermittently active since it emerged from the sea at the start of last year in the caldera formed after the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa. Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of high volcanic and seismic activity.