Anak Krakatau eruption sends ash 50,000 ft skyward, halts flights

Anak Krakatau erupted for more than 24 hours in early September, propelling volcanic ash to an altitude of roughly 50,000 feet. The dense plume forced the closure of eight airports across Indonesia and led to the cancellation or delay of nearly 3,000 flights, according to aviation authorities. NASA’s Terra and Suomi NPP satellites captured the ash column as it spread across the region, providing high‑resolution imagery of the dispersal pattern.

The eruption also degraded air quality as far south as Jakarta, prompting health advisories for residents in affected districts. Officials monitored the ash drift and coordinated with airlines to restore operations, while volcanologists noted that Anak Krakatau, which has been active since the 2018 sector collapse, continues to pose intermittent hazards to air travel and local communities. The incident underscores the ongoing need for rapid response mechanisms in the face of sudden volcanic activity.