Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait erupted on 6 September 2026 at 3:53 a.m. local time. Volcanic ash from the eruption led to flight suspensions at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, and several regional airports in Indonesia.
Mount Anak Krakatau
Mount Anak Krakatau is a volcanic island in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. It is the active cone that emerged from the caldera of Krakatau, the volcano associated with the 1883 eruption in the same region.
Volcanic Ash and Aviation Safety
Volcanic ash contains fine rock and glass particles that can damage aircraft engines, windshields, and sensors. Aviation authorities use ash detection, airspace monitoring, and paper tests to assess whether flight operations can continue safely.
Flight Disruption and Ash Plumes
The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation and AirNav Indonesia suspended operations after ash was detected in the airspace. The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation identified two major ash plumes, one reaching 20,000 feet and another rising to about 50,000 feet.
Important Facts for Exams
- Mount Anak Krakatau is located in the Sunda Strait, which separates Java and Sumatra.
- Volcanic ash can spread across large distances and affect both aviation and ground transport.
- Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has many active volcanoes.
- The 1883 Krakatau eruption is one of the most studied volcanic events in world history.
Disruption in Indonesia
Reports on the number of affected flights varied, with figures ranging from 209 to 516 disrupted movements. Airlines including Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and Qantas cancelled or adjusted services to Jakarta.
Safety Measures and Local Impact
Geological authorities advised people to stay at least 3 kilometres from the active crater. No casualties or evacuation orders were reported, while ashfall also affected fishing trips and some school activities in parts of Java and Sumatra.
