Thousands stranded as volcanic ash disrupts flights at Jakarta airport VIDEO

Thousands of passengers were stranded at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on September 7 after flights were temporarily suspended over concerns about volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau.

Long lines formed at airline counters as passengers sought refunds or rescheduled flights, with many flights being postponed until September 8, according to airport information, Caliber.Az reports via Indonesian media.

Some travellers spent the night in terminal waiting areas after being unable to afford alternative accommodation or transportation.

The airport was closed early on September 6 under a notice to airmen issued by AirNav Indonesia and was initially scheduled to remain closed until 11:59 p.m. local time.

By 9:30 p.m. on September 6, a total of 1,039 flights had been affected, including 746 domestic, 272 international and 21 cargo flights. The disruption affected 166,351 passengers and included cancellations, delays, diversions and other operational impacts.

Yudistiawan, assistant deputy for communications and legal affairs at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, said the closure was a precautionary measure taken for aviation safety.

The airport is expected to resume operations once volcanic ash conditions improve. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status with their airlines.

By Sabina Mammadli