Flights halted as volcanic ash spreads across parts of Indonesia

Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has suspended ‌flights due to ‌volcanic ash from the ongoing eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

The ⁠suspension until 9.30am on Sunday (12.30pm AEST), extends a halt that has affected 33 flights, including several international flights, ⁠Indonesia's ‌transportation ministry said on Instagram.

The suspension, extending a halt that had been scheduled until 5.30am local time, has affected 33 flights, including several international flights, Indonesia's transportation ministry said.

Mount Anak Krakatau has erupted ‌since late on Friday, with volcanic ash detected at the airport early on Sunday, the ministry said in a ‌statement.

Mount Anak Krakatau has erupted several times since 2018, when a major eruption caused the volcano's southwestern sector to collapse, dramatically reducing its size and creating a tsunami that left hundreds dead and tens of thousands injured.

The current eruption event is the fifth since 2020. None have been as damaging as the 2018 eruption.

The disaster mitigation agency said on Saturday there was no imminent risk of tsunami from the volcano.

Dispersal of volcanic ash has disrupted activities in Lampung province in Indonesia's Sumatra island and Banten province on Java, said Berton Panjaitan, a spokesperson for Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency, BNPB.

"BNPB urges the public to remain calm while increasing vigilance. In the event of ashfall, people are advised to wear masks and eye protection, reduce outdoor activities, cover water sources and exercise caution when driving, as volcanic ash can reduce visibility," he said.

Several schools cancelled activities on Saturday with students and residents suffering eye irritation from the ash, while fishermen cancelled their fishing trips due to the eruption, local media outlet Kompas reported.

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