Flights to and from the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, have recommenced on Tuesday following a two-day suspension due to volcanic ash from an eruption, which led to the cancellation of almost 3,000 flights.
Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced the reopening of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta, Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung, West Java, and two smaller airports in Banten province just after midnight. However, three airports, including Radin Inten II Airport in Lampung and Atung Bungsu Airport in Pagar Alam, remained closed until 10 a.m. local time as a precaution due to changing wind conditions.
Purwagandhi emphasized a cautious approach to ensure the volcanic ash had dispersed from the vicinity of the airports around Anak Krakatau. Even though tests showed no ash traces at some airports, the prolonged closure allowed for thorough inspections and cleaning of surfaces, runways, and aircraft exposed to volcanic ash.
The eruption of Anak Krakatau, characterized by lava fountains and loud noises, ceased on Sunday, but the volcanic activity persisted on Tuesday. The airport shutdowns on Sunday and Monday impacted nearly 2,961 flights, including 622 international flights, affecting approximately 341,000 passengers.
