Volcanic ash from the eruption of Anak Krakatau disrupted air travel across Indonesia on Monday, with eight airports remaining closed as authorities responded to safety concerns and worked to keep air connectivity operating through alternative facilities. 

The eruption sent volcanic ash into surrounding airspace, prompting the closure of several airports, including airports serving Jakarta. The disruption affected thousands of passengers and led to congestion at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport as travelers sought alternative flights. 

As reported by The Jakarta Globe, the closure affected 166,351 passengers, contributing to heavy crowds at Soekarno-Hatta as airlines adjusted their operations. The airport remained a major point of departure for passengers whose original travel plans had been disrupted by the closures. 

The Jakarta Post reported that eight airports remained closed on Monday because of volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau. The closures were implemented as a safety measure, with aviation authorities monitoring the movement and concentration of volcanic ash in the atmosphere before allowing affected airports to resume operations. 

The government has also moved to reduce the impact on passengers by activating alternative airports. 

ANTARA reported that five alternative airports were opened as authorities sought to maintain air connectivity while the eight affected airports remained closed. Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi also directed alternative airports to extend their operating hours to 24 hours to accommodate diverted flights and passengers affected by the disruption. 

The response is intended to provide airlines with additional options while affected airports remain unavailable. Longer operating hours allow diverted aircraft to land and depart outside the normal schedules of the alternative airports, helping airlines manage changes to their flight plans. 

The airport closures also required airlines to adjust routes and schedules as aviation authorities continued to assess conditions around the affected airports. Passengers were advised to monitor information from airlines and airport authorities as operations remained subject to changes in volcanic activity and ash conditions. 

Volcanic ash poses a significant risk to aircraft because ash particles can affect engines and other aircraft systems. As a result, aviation authorities prioritize air safety when determining whether airports can continue operating during an eruption. 

Authorities will continue monitoring Anak Krakatau and the surrounding airspace before deciding when normal operations can resume. Until then, the use of alternative airports and extended operating hours provides a way for Indonesia’s aviation network to continue serving passengers despite the disruption. 

The situation remains subject to developments in volcanic activity and weather conditions, with airlines and airport operators expected to adjust operations accordingly.