JAKARTA — Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano erupted early Sunday, September 6, triggering widespread disruption to air travel after volcanic ash spread across parts of western Indonesia.

The eruption prompted authorities to suspend flights at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and several other airports as ash moved through the atmosphere. The disruption affected hundreds of scheduled flight movements and left thousands of passengers facing delays and cancellations.

The eruption began at approximately 3:53 a.m. local time and lasted around 30 seconds. Authorities reported visible lava activity but no immediate casualties or mandatory evacuations.

Volcanic ash was reported at altitudes reaching roughly 20,000 to 50,000 feet, with the plume extending toward Jakarta, Banten and West Java and reaching areas farther across Sumatra and the Indian Ocean.

The aviation disruption extended beyond Jakarta, affecting operations at airports in several parts of Indonesia. Officials warned that additional delays could occur as airlines work to reorganize aircraft and passenger schedules following the widespread interruptions.

Anak Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, has shown increased volcanic activity since July. Indonesian authorities are continuing to monitor the volcano because eruptions can produce ash, volcanic gases and other hazardous material.

The volcano is particularly significant in Indonesia’s disaster history. In December 2018, a major Anak Krakatau eruption triggered a tsunami that struck coastal communities around the Sunda Strait and caused heavy loss of life.

For now, Indonesian authorities are maintaining close observation of the latest activity while aviation officials assess the continuing impact of volcanic ash on flight operations.