Indonesian airports resume operations after volcanic ash cleanup
Five airports in Indonesia, including Jakarta's main hub, have reopened after authorities cleared volcanic ash from runways and facilities. The closure, caused by Mount Anak Krakatau's eruption, disrupted nearly 3,000 flights and affected over 340,000 travellers. Officials warn that full flight schedules may take time to normalize as aircraft inspections continue.
Authorities deployed firefighting crews to sweep ash from runways at Soekarno-Hatta, with the first departure being a cargo plane. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi emphasized that thorough airworthiness checks on aircraft will precede a full return to normal scheduling, potentially causing further delays.
The volcano, situated between Java and Sumatra, erupted multiple times on Tuesday, though officials noted reduced intensity compared to the weekend's major blast. Continuous monitoring is underway, as Anak Krakatau remains part of Indonesia's seismically active Ring of Fire, a region previously marked by a deadly 2018 tsunami.
The staggered reopening could prolong travel disruptions for hundreds of thousands of passengers, as airlines prioritize safety inspections over rapid resumption. This may strain regional tourism and business travel, while ongoing volcanic activity could lead to further intermittent closures. Local communities near the volcano may face recurring uncertainty, though the reduced intensity of recent eruptions suggests the immediate crisis may be easing.