Indonesia extends closure of eight airports over volcanic ash

Indonesia has extended the temporary closure of eight airports following the eruption of Anak Krakatau and the spread of volcanic ash, Report informs via the local media.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the airports would remain closed until midnight Western Indonesia Time (GMT+7), as a precaution to ensure flight safety.

The Transport Ministry is continuing to monitor the volcano's activity, the movement of volcanic ash and their impact on airspace and airport operations.

"Based on monitoring of the impact of the Anak Krakatau eruption as of 5 p.m. local time, the closure of the eight affected airports has been extended until midnight," Purwagandhi said.

The affected airports are Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta, Radin Inten II Airport in Lampung, Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung, Budiarto Airport in Curug, Pondok Cabe Airport in South Tangerang, Taufik Kiemas Airport in Pesisir Barat, Lampung, and Atung Bungsu Airport in Pagar Alam, South Sumatra.

The minister stressed that the temporary closures are intended to reduce risks in case volcanic ash poses a threat to flight safety.

Authorities will continue monitoring volcanic activity and ash dispersion before deciding whether the airport closures should be extended further.