Warning for Aussies as Indonesian volcano eruption sparks travel chaos — Published: 14:49 BST, 6 September 2026 | Updated: 16:08 BST, 6 September 2026
Australians travelling to Indonesia are being told to expect delays and disruptions after a volcano erupted over the weekend. 
Mount Anak Krakatoa erupted on Saturday, producing a fountain of lava and booming sounds that could be heard up to 700km away, the geology agency said in a statement.
Two new eruptions were recorded on Sunday, the volcanology agency warned.
By Sunday evening, the volcanic ash cloud had affected 467 flight movements in Jakarta´s Soekarno-Hatta airport alone that affected about 150,000 passengers. 
Flights between Australia and Jakarta predominantly use Sydney, Perth and Melbourne airports, with at least a dozen flights affected on Sunday night.
Other affected international routes included Doha, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
At least 16 domestic flights to Bali were also cancelled, local airport authorities said.
The Smartraveller website warned on Sunday night that flights could be delayed or cancelled at short notice. 
Mount Anak Krakatau spewing volcanic materials into the air following an eruption in Sunda Strait, Indonesia at the weekend
Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta was temporarily closed early Sunday after volcanic ash affected flights
'Monitor your flight status and check with your airline or travel provider before travelling,' the advice stated.
'Volcanic ash may affect air quality. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions should take extra care and follow health advice from local authorities.'  
Indonesia´s Directorate General of Civil Aviation said it was closely monitoring the eruption's impact on air travel and coordinating with airlines, airport operators, air navigation services and the meteorology agency.
'Safety remains our top priority in every operational decision,' Lukman F. Laisa, Ministry of Transportation director general of civil aviation, said in a statement.