Indonesian airports are open again after volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau caused major disruption to flight operations, but the recovery process is now the key consideration for airfreight customers.

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport,  the country’s main gateway, closed on Saturday 6 September after ash entered the surrounding airspace. Operations recommenced at 00:30 local time on Tuesday 8 September. Other airports affected by the ash cloud, including Halim in Jakarta and several regional facilities, subsequently reopened, with the final closures lifted later that morning.

The disruption has been considerable. Nearly 3,000 flights were affected across Indonesia, including 622 international services, while around 341,000 passengers experienced delays or cancellations. The impact on airfreight will not necessarily end with the reopening of the airports.

Cargo that was due to travel during the closure will need to be rebooked or accommodated on restored services. Aircraft and crews have been displaced from their planned rotations, and airlines must inspect 178 aircraft that were grounded at Soekarno-Hatta. This can create pressure on available capacity and lead to delayed uplift, missed onward connections and cargo rollovers over the coming days.

The event also underlines why aviation authorities take such a cautious approach to volcanic ash. Ash can affect engine performance, visibility and aircraft systems. The 2010 Icelandic ash-cloud disruption remains a well-known example of how quickly a local volcanic event can affect international air cargo networks.

While conditions have improved, Anak Krakatau produced further smaller eruptions on Tuesday. Ash remains within the wider region, and a change in wind direction could prompt renewed restrictions.

Global Logistics Freight Solutions will continue monitoring updates.