Stranded

Indonesia's main airport and three others postponed reopening on Monday after halting operations following a volcanic eruption that left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded. Mount Anak Krakatau, about 150 kilometres from Jakarta, erupted on Saturday, spewing a fountain of lava and a plume of volcanic ash.

Eight airports halted operations over the weekend after ash was detected in their airspace, disrupting thousands of flights and leaving more than 270,000 passengers stranded. "These figures are the cumulative operational impact since 5 September 2026 and cover flights that have been cancelled, delayed, or diverted," the transport ministry said.

"We don't have any news"

Italian tourist Michel Miegge was on holiday with his girlfriend and due to fly home in time for work on Tuesday, but their flight was cancelled. "We don't have any news from the airline. We don't know if we stay another day in Jakarta or find another flight," the 32-year-old software engineer told AFP.

At least four airports, including Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International, extended their closure to 6:00 PM local time. The Transport Ministry has prepared six alternative airports and is encouraging airlines to use them. Airport operators will provide free bus services for passengers who wish to fly from other airports.