Indonesia Prepares Alternative Airports amid Volcano Eruption

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is preparing alternative airports and free ground transportation to maintain passenger mobility after volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau disrupted flight operations. The measure follows the temporary closure of eight airports, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia’s main international gateway, in Jakarta, on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said airlines are being given the option to redirect flights to alternative airports while authorities continue to monitor volcanic ash conditions. The government is coordinating with airlines and airport operators to ensure affected passengers can continue their journeys through alternative routes.

“If airlines want to use alternative airports for take-off and landing, we welcome them to do so,” Dudy said at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Sunday. He added that the government would provide ground transportation for passengers who need to travel from their original airport to an alternative airport.

The alternative airports include Kertajati International Airport in West Java, Jenderal Ahmad Yani International Airport in Central Java, Juanda International Airport in East Java, Yogyakarta International Airport, and Adi Soemarmo Airport in Solo. The government has also prepared these airports to operate around the clock to support diverted domestic and international flights.

“Free alternative transportation will be provided. Whichever airport they wish to use, InJourney will facilitate it in coordination with Angkasa Pura and the airlines,” Dudy said. Passengers whose flights are redirected will be provided with free ground transportation, including buses and trains, with airlines responsible for informing passengers about the arrangements.

The government extended the temporary closure of the eight affected airports until midnight on Sunday after monitoring showed continued volcanic ash in the affected airspace. The closed airports include Soekarno-Hatta, Halim Perdanakusuma, Radin Inten II, Husein Sastranegara, Budiarto, Pondok Cabe, Taufik Kiemas, and Atung Bungsu airports.

As of Sunday evening, approximately 1,558 flights had been affected, involving around 170,000 passengers across the eight airports. The figure includes both arriving and departing flights, as well as flights from unaffected airports whose destinations were among the temporarily closed airports.

The disruption highlights the broader impact of volcanic activity on Indonesia’s air connectivity, including international travel through Jakarta. Authorities continue to monitor the spread of volcanic ash and coordinate with airlines, airport operators and aviation stakeholders, while passenger safety remains the main priority.