Jakarta Flights Disrupted as Anak Krakatau Ash Affects Airport Operations

Source-checked update: This article brings together information checked against primary sources and independent reporting available at publication time. Full source links are listed at the end of the article.

Volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau is disrupting air travel to and from Jakarta, with temporary restrictions at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and cancellations reported across Malaysian airports. The situation remains fluid on September 6, and individual flight schedules may change as aviation authorities continue to monitor ash conditions.

What Happened

Anak Krakatau, in the Sunda Strait, generated continuous eruptive activity on September 5, including volcanic ash and lava-fountain activity. Indonesia’s Geological Agency said the volcano remained at Level III alert.

The ash affected airspace around Jakarta and led Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation to temporarily close Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on September 6. A later aviation notice specified a closure period from 13:23 to 17:30 local time, while monitoring and operational decisions continued during the day.

Malaysia Airports reported 31 Jakarta-bound flights cancelled across Malaysian airports on September 6. The total included 21 flights at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, six at Penang, one at Kuching, two at Subang and one at Kota Bharu.

Airlines have also confirmed disruption. AirAsia said a number of flights to and from Jakarta were cancelled or rescheduled because of the eruption and resulting ash clouds. Malaysia Airlines confirmed the cancellation of 12 Kuala Lumpur–Jakarta flights, while Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air together reported 20 cancelled Malaysia–Jakarta flights.

Indonesia’s aviation authority said the Soekarno-Hatta closure affected 209 scheduled flight movements and 22,798 passengers during the initial closure period. These figures cover a specific airport closure window and should not be treated as a total for all disruption linked to the eruption.

What This Means for Travelers

Passengers travelling to Jakarta may face cancellations, delays, schedule changes or rerouting, including on services that were scheduled to operate later in the day. Flights departing Jakarta may also be affected, not only inbound services.

The reported figures vary because they cover different airlines, airports and time periods. The 31 cancelled Jakarta-bound flights reported from Malaysian airports are separate from the airline-specific totals and from the 209 affected movements recorded at Soekarno-Hatta during one closure period.

Travelers connecting through Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching, Subang or Kota Bharu should also check their onward Jakarta sector carefully. A flight may remain listed in one system while its departure time, routing or operating status is being reviewed.

Volcanic ash can prompt aviation restrictions even when conditions at an airport appear manageable on the ground. For that reason, airport access or a previous operating pattern should not be taken as confirmation that a particular flight will run.

What Travelers Should Do Now

Check the flight status directly with the operating airline before leaving for the airport. Travelers should look for the latest cancellation, delay or rescheduling notice rather than relying only on an earlier booking confirmation.

Passengers due to fly to or from Jakarta should also monitor Soekarno-Hatta Airport and Indonesian aviation authority updates, particularly if their journey falls within or near a stated operating restriction. Airport closure times and flight decisions may change as ash monitoring continues.

If an airline has contacted you about a cancelled or rescheduled service, follow its instructions on the available travel arrangements and keep checking for further updates. Travelers with connecting flights should verify every segment of the itinerary, since a change on the Jakarta leg may affect the rest of the journey.

Do not travel to the airport without confirming that your flight is operating, especially during the current period of changing restrictions. Allow additional time for airport procedures if the service is confirmed, but avoid assuming that extra time will resolve a cancellation or closure.

If you are already in Jakarta or Malaysia and need urgent travel information, use the airline’s official customer-service channels and the relevant airport or aviation authority notices. Keep your booking details available when requesting an update.

What Is Confirmed

• Anak Krakatau erupted in the Sunda Strait on September 5, 2026, producing volcanic ash and lava-fountain activity.
• The volcano remained at Level III alert according to Indonesia’s Geological Agency.
• Soekarno-Hatta International Airport was temporarily closed on September 6 because of volcanic ash, with a later notice specifying closure from 13:23 to 17:30 local time.
• Malaysia Airports reported 31 Jakarta-bound cancellations across Malaysian airports on September 6.
• AirAsia confirmed cancellations or rescheduling on flights to and from Jakarta.
• Malaysia Airlines confirmed 12 cancelled Kuala Lumpur–Jakarta flights, while Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air together reported 20 cancelled Malaysia–Jakarta flights.
• Indonesia’s aviation authority reported 209 affected scheduled movements and 22,798 passengers during the initial Soekarno-Hatta closure period.

Sources

Primary sources

• Menhub Dudy: Keselamatan Utama, Dampak Erupsi Gunung Anak Krakatau Terus Dimonitor
• Dampak Erupsi Gunung Anak Krakatau, Bandara Soekarno-Hatta perpanjang waktu tutup operasional
• Fenomena Erupsi Menerus Gunungapi Anak Krakatau Tanggal 5 September 2026
• AirAsia flights impacted by the Mount Anak Krakatau volcanic eruption

Independent reporting

• Indonesia cancels flights at Jakarta airport and others as Anak Krakatau volcano erupts
• Jakarta airport suspends flights due to Mount Anak Krakatau ash; SIA among affected airlines
• Malaysia Airlines cancels 12 Jakarta flights after Anak Krakatau eruption
• Anak Krakatau Eruption: 31 Jakarta-Bound Flights From Malaysia Cancelled – MAHB

Editorial note

This Travel News article was prepared by the VibrantGateways Team using publicly available information and primary sources where available. AI-assisted tools may be used during research and drafting, with publication subject to our editorial verification process.

Travel information can change quickly. Schedules, routes, prices, entry requirements, availability and other time-sensitive details should be confirmed with the relevant official provider or authority before making travel decisions.

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