Indonesia flights resume after Anak Krakatau eruption

Flights resumed gradually in Indonesia on Tuesday after the eruption of Anak Krakatau forced major airports to close for days, halting nearly 3,000 flights and stranding more than 340,000 passengers.

The country’s main airport serving Jakarta and four other airports reopened early Tuesday after authorities cleared volcanic ash from critical infrastructure.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said it would take time for flight schedules to return to normal. He said about 178 aircraft were at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta’s main air travel hub, and that they would be checked before flying.

“We ask for a little patience from passengers and the public, as we will be carrying out inspections to ensure that these aircraft are fit to fly,” Dudy said.

He said three flights departed shortly after the airport reopened, including two commercial flights to eastern Indonesia.

Airport operator Angkasa Pura Indonesia said volcanic ash had been cleared from the runway and other areas to make the facilities safe for flights.

Anak Krakatau, which sits in a strait between Java and Sumatra, erupted at least three times on Tuesday morning, according to Geology Agency head Lana Saria.