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Jakarta's main international airport and three other air terminals in Indonesia extended their closure until Monday night due to the eruption of the Anak Krakatoa volcano, a situation that has left tens of thousands of passengers stranded.
The Anak Krakatoa volcano, located about 150 kilometers from the capital, Jakarta, erupted on Saturday, spewing lava and emitting a powerful roar that was heard hundreds of kilometers away.
Irán amenaza a Estados Unidos con una respuesta “más rápida, intensa y dolorosa” tras nuevos ataques
New eruptions were recorded on Sunday, and more could occur in the coming days, according to the national volcanology agency.
"In relation to the increasing volcanic eruption activity of Mount Anak Krakatoa, flight operations at several airports were suspended," stated the airport terminal operator, Angkasa Pura, on social media.
On Monday morning alone, 243 domestic and international flights were canceled or delayed, affecting nearly 30,000 passengers, according to the airport operator.
Since the start of the crisis, more than 270,000 travelers have been affected by flight cancellations, delays, or diversions, reported the Ministry of Transportation.
Authorities authorized six alternative airports, mainly in Java and Yogyakarta, and encouraged airlines to use them.
Jakarta's airport also set up free bus services to transport passengers to those terminals.
In addition, the government temporarily relaxed immigration rules for foreign travelers who exceed their authorized length of stay due to the cancellations.
At the Jakarta airport, numerous passengers remained stranded. "I don't think we can leave for now," Michel Miegge, a 32-year-old Italian tourist trying to return to Europe, told AFP. "We found a hotel nearby, but many are full."
Volcanic ash, which is dangerous to aircraft engines, is the primary threat to aviation.
Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of intense seismic and volcanic activity.
[Publicidad]