Major travel disruptions are being recorded across Indonesia as Mount Anak Krakatau erupts.
Known as one of the world’s most volatile volcanoes, Mount Anak Krakatau sits within Lampung Province, though it is a small island volcano formed in the wake of Krakatoa.
As of Monday afternoon, more than 170,000 passengers have been affected by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, including passengers travelling through Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
By 9 am on Monday 7th September, more than 1,558 flights were affected, with more expected to be delayed and cancelled in the coming days.
By far the worst affected airport is Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, though tourists traveling through Bali Airport will need to be on high alert for the coming days. Speaking to reporters on Sunday evening, Communication & Legal Division Head of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, said that the airport continues to update data and coordinate with key stakeholders following the impact of Mount Anak Krakatau’s volcanic activity on airspace.
He noted that most international flights in and out of Bali Airport are continuing as normal, with some small delays. He shared, “We can convey that flight operations and airport services at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali are generally continuing to operate normally and optimally.” On Sunday, 42 flights, mostly domestic services, were affected at Ngurah Rai Airport.
Asmadi told reporters, “The management of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports), as the operator of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, continues to coordinate with airlines to update schedules and handle passengers already at the airport.”
He noted that coordination is also underway with AirNav Indonesia to monitor airspace conditions impacted by the volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau. For passengers on affected flights already at the terminal, airport management is also providing service recovery services. This service includes providing drinks and snacks to passengers.
It is important for Bali tourists to note that I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport is urging prospective passengers not to arrive at the airport without confirming their flight status.
Travelers are asked to regularly confirm their flight status and schedule with their respective airlines before departing. Asmadi noted, “For airport-related information, PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia also provides an InJourney Airports Contact Center service via telephone number 172.”
Incredibly, six volcanoes in Indonesia are reportedly erupting almost simultaneously. Since 31st August 2026, Mount Ibu, Mount Semeru, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, Mount Lewotolok, Mount Anak Krakatau, and Mount Sinabung have all erupted across the Indonesian archipelago.
The PVMBG emphasized that the eruptions are not interconnected, as each volcano has its own separate magma system. It is a stark reminder for tourists, however, to remember that Indonesia is one of the most volcanically active places on earth and that eruptions and natural disasters can impact travel in the blink of an eye.
Indonesia’s national tourism board, Wonderful Indonesia, has told travellers that “Safety Comes First on every journey. For those planning to travel, check the latest conditions at your destination and the status of travel operations before departure. Also check updates from: Destination management, Accommodation providers, Transportation operators.”
Be aware of changes to flight and maritime operations that may occur depending on developments in the eruption and the spread of volcanic ash. Follow the instructions of the relevant authorities and prioritize safety. For emergencies and disaster-related assistance in Indonesia: 117.”
Travellers are also advised to follow official agencies for updates on Instagram, including @infobmkg @bnpb_indonesia @pvmbg_ – of course, here at The Bali Sun we will keep you up to date with all the latest news from Bali and beyond.
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