Volcanic eruption grounds hundreds of flights and leaves 22,000 passengers stranded in Indonesia

A volcanic eruption in Indonesia has disrupted hundreds of flights and left tens of thousands of passengers stranded.

Authorities said 209 flights were suspended on Sunday morning after ash from Mount Anak Krakatoa was detected in the airspace near Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

More than 22,000 passengers have been affected by the flight suspensions.

The volcano began erupting late on Friday night. The eruption caused continuous seismic activity, lava fountains and loud booming sounds that could be heard in surrounding areas.

Authorities said two more eruptions were recorded early on Sunday.

The suspension of flights was extended until 13:30 local time.

Indonesia’s transport ministry said flights travelling between Jakarta and Singapore were among those most affected.

Other international routes, including flights to and from Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur, were also affected.

Despite the volcanic activity, authorities said there is currently no tsunami warning.

Anak Krakatoa is located in the Sunda Strait between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra.

Indonesia’s health minister has advised people living in affected areas to remain indoors and wear face masks. Volcanic ash can cause breathing problems and irritation to the eyes and skin.

Anak Krakatoa means “Child of Krakatoa”. The volcano emerged from the sea in the caldera created following the devastating 1883 eruption of Krakatoa.

It has experienced periods of volcanic activity since its emergence.

Indonesia regularly experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because the country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with high levels of volcanic and seismic activity.