Six airports in Indonesia suspend operations after volcanic eruption

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Published: 2026-09-06T11:56:26.030Z • Permanent link

Indonesia's aviation authorities were forced to take drastic measures on Sunday, suspending operations at six airports across the country, including Jakarta's main international airport. The decision was made in response to the escalating volcanic eruption of Anak Krakatoa, which has been spewing clouds of ash into the skies of the archipelago. The Indonesian National Transportation Commission (NTC) issued a statement announcing the suspension, citing the risks posed by the ash fall to aircraft and passengers. The airports affected by the suspension include Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, and several others in the provinces of Banten and West Java.

Geologists from the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported that the latest series of eruptions have increased the volcano's activity to a "high" level, with ash fall expected to continue for the next few days. The PVMBG has issued a warning to the public, advising people to stay away from the volcano's vicinity and to follow evacuation orders if issued. The suspension of airport operations is expected to have a significant impact on air travel in the region, with many flights canceled or delayed.

The decision to suspend airport operations was made in consultation with the Indonesian government, the aviation industry, and international authorities. The National Transportation Commission has assured the public that the suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, and that alternative transportation options will be provided to those affected by the cancellations. The suspension is also expected to have a significant impact on the country's economy, with many businesses and industries relying on air travel to transport goods and people.

The suspension of airport operations in Indonesia has significant implications for the global aviation industry, particularly for companies that operate in the region. Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Singapore Airlines, which have a significant presence in Indonesia, will be affected by the cancellations. The suspension also has implications for research communities and markets that rely on air travel to transport data and equipment. For example, the Indonesian government's data center, which is located in the country's capital, Jakarta, may be affected by the suspension, potentially disrupting the country's data collection and analysis capabilities.

The suspension of airport operations in Indonesia also highlights the need for the aviation industry to be better prepared for natural disasters. The Indonesian government has faced criticism in the past for its slow response to natural disasters, including the 2018 earthquake and tsunami that struck the island of Sulawesi. The suspension of airport operations is a wake-up call for the industry to prioritize disaster preparedness and to invest in technologies that can help mitigate the impact of natural disasters.

The suspension of airport operations in Indonesia is part of a larger pattern of natural disasters affecting the country. In recent years, Indonesia has experienced a series of devastating earthquakes and tsunamis, including the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami, which killed over 4,000 people and displaced thousands more. The country's geography, with its many active volcanoes and fault lines, makes it prone to natural disasters. The Indonesian government has implemented various measures to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, including the creation of a national disaster management agency and the development of early warning systems.