Indonesia Volcanic Eruption: Â Pondok Cabe Airport in South Tangerang, Indonesia, is temporarily closed on Sunday after volcanic ash from the ongoing Mount Anak Krakatau eruption spread across western Indonesia and affected aviation safety. Authorities initially ordered Pondok Cabe to remain closed until 2 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) under NOTAM C1080/26.
The disruption has affected multiple airports and hundreds of flights. Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry said airport operations will resume only after aviation authorities determine that the surrounding airspace is safe for flight operations.
Pondok Cabe Airport (PCB) Open or Closed Today?
Pondok Cabe Airport is temporarily closed today, September 6, due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. The airport closure was issued as a safety measure after ash spread into areas affecting aviation operations.
According to Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Pondok Cabe’s temporary closure was scheduled until 2 p.m. WIB. However, the reopening depends on ongoing monitoring of volcanic ash and aviation conditions rather than the scheduled time alone.
Authorities have stressed that flights will not resume simply because the scheduled closure period has ended if volcanic ash continues to pose a risk.
Pondok Cabe Airport (PCB): Why Is It Closed Today?
Pondok Cabe Airport has been closed because volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has spread across western Indonesia.
Volcanic ash is a major aviation hazard because it can reduce visibility and damage aircraft engines. Indonesian aviation authorities are therefore monitoring ash movement in coordination with the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), PVMBG, AirNav Indonesia, airport operators and airlines.
The eruption has also affected airspace around Jakarta, Banten and parts of West Java and Sumatra.
Pondok Cabe Airport (PCB): Which Flights Are Cancelled?
The closure of Pondok Cabe is contributing to wider flight disruptions across Indonesia. Authorities reported 373 flights affected as of 10:35 a.m. WIB, because of the temporary closures of airports affected by volcanic ash.
Specific cancellation figures for Pondok Cabe alone were not immediately provided by Indonesian aviation authorities. Passengers travelling through Pondok Cabe should therefore check directly with their airline for cancellation, delay, diversion or rescheduling information.
Across the wider disruption, Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport alone recorded substantial cancellations and delays, while international airlines also cancelled services to and from Jakarta.
Pondok Cabe Airport (PCB): When Will the Airport Reopen?
Pondok Cabe was initially scheduled to remain closed until 2 p.m. WIB on September 6.
However, the reopening is not guaranteed at 2 p.m. Authorities are continuing to monitor the volcanic ash and will allow flights to resume only when aviation conditions are considered safe.
The Transportation Ministry has instructed airlines to prioritise passenger safety and not operate flights until authorities determine that conditions are suitable.
The closure could therefore be extended if ash continues to affect the airport’s surrounding airspace.
Pondok Cabe Airport (PCB): Which Airports Are Affected?
The volcanic eruption has caused temporary closures at several airports in western Indonesia. As of the latest official updates, the affected airports include:
- Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), Tangerang
- Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HLP), Jakarta
- Radin Inten II Airport (TKG), Lampung
- Budiarto Airport (RTO), Curug
- Pondok Cabe Airport
- Husein Sastranegara Airport, Bandung
Husein Sastranegara was added to the list after monitoring at around noon showed that volcanic ash had spread toward West Java. The authorities are continuously reassessing the affected airports as the ash cloud changes direction and concentration.
Pondok Cabe Airport (PCB): Helpline Numbers
Passengers affected by the Pondok Cabe closure should first contact their airline or travel operator for flight-specific information, including cancellations, refunds and alternative travel arrangements.
For airport and aviation-related updates, passengers can also follow announcements from Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry, Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the airport operator.
Since the situation is changing rapidly, passengers should verify their flight status before travelling to the airport.
Indonesia Volcanic Eruption Today
Mount Anak Krakatau erupted in Indonesia on Sunday, September 6, sending volcanic ash into the atmosphere and disrupting aviation across western parts of the country. The eruption has caused widespread flight disruption, with ash detected across areas around Jakarta and beyond.
Reuters reported that the eruption resulted in the suspension of flights at six airports and disrupted 301 flights, including 58 international services.
The eruption began late Friday and continued into Sunday. Authorities have been monitoring the volcano and the movement of its ash cloud, while aviation operators have been instructed to prioritise safety.
