Annissa Wulan
Sep 08, 2026
Jakarta’s aviation corridor is regaining its rhythm after a temporary closure caused by airborne volcanic ash. Flights across the capital have officially resumed on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, bringing relief to thousands of stranded passengers and restoring vital connectivity across the archipelago and beyond.
The sudden disruption began over the weekend when Mount Anak Krakatau experienced a series of eruptions, sending dense plumes of volcanic ash drifting east toward the Greater Jakarta airspace. Out of extreme precaution for aviation safety, aviation authorities issued Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) closures affecting major transit hubs, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HLP).
Flight operations remained suspended for nearly two days as air traffic control, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), and the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) in Darwin continuously monitored atmospheric conditions and performed rigorous paper tests on airport runways. Volcanic ash poses severe hazards to aircraft, as microscopic silicate particles can melt inside jet engines, cause turbine failure, and severely degrade cockpit windshield visibility.
Operations officially recommenced early Tuesday morning after test results confirmed that ash density levels had receded to safe operational parameters.
In an official statement regarding the reopening, Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi stressed the ongoing vigilance required during the recovery phase:
"We have instructed all airlines to maintain active coordination with airport management, flight control authorities, and relevant agencies to guarantee that every single flight operates under strict safety and security standards."
Echoing this focus on passenger welfare, Yudistiawan, Assistant Deputy of Communication & Legal at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, advised travelers to stay informed through primary digital channels:
"We encourage all airport users to double-check their flight schedules and operational updates through official airline channels before making their way to the terminal, and to reach out to the InJourney Airports Contact Center 172 for direct assistance."
Navigating Flights During Volcanic Disruption
Even with flights resuming, the lingering presence of volcanic ash requires thoughtful preparation. Travelers flying into or out of Jakarta during volcanic activity should keep the following practical measures in mind:
1. Real-Time Flight Monitoring & Rebooking
Flight schedules naturally experience cascading delays during post-closure backlogs. Always verify flight status directly on your airline’s mobile application before setting off for the airport. Most major carriers operate automated self-service portals allowing passengers to reschedule or request refunds without standing in physical terminal queues.
2. Health and Respiratory Protection
Microscopic volcanic ash particles easily penetrate standard indoor spaces and terminal loading bridges. Health authorities recommend packing high-filtration masks—such as N95 or KN95 respirators—in your carry-on luggage to protect your lungs against respiratory irritation while in transit.
3. Eyewear & Skin Safeguards
Volcanic ash is abrasive and causes sharp eye discomfort upon contact. Contact lens wearers are strongly advised to switch to standard protective eyeglasses during transit. Packing a small bottle of lubricating eye drops can help flush out fine particulate matter safely.
4. Ground Transport & Buffer Planning
Transiting to Soekarno-Hatta or Halim Perdanakusuma may take longer than usual due to post-disruption road traffic surrounding transit zones. Allow at least three to four hours of extra buffer time before scheduled departure times to ensure a smooth check-in and security screening process.
