Major airport forced to CLOSE and cancel flights after huge volcano eruption leaves 270,000 people stranded

A VOLCANO eruption has forced the closure of a major airport for the fourth day in a row. An enormous ash cloud has swept across parts of Indonesia resulting in hundreds of cancelled flights. The eruption of the volcano on Anak Krakatau has caused huge disruption Credit: AP As many as 270,000 passengers have been ‘stranded’ at airport across the country Credit: EPA Hundreds of thousands of passengers have been left stuck at airports after the volcano on Anak Krakatau started to erupt on Friday. Airport closures began over the weekend with some forced to extend this until at least 6pm tonight. Sign up for the Travel newsletter Thank you! The largest airport affected is Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International where passengers are said to be in very long queues waiting for updates on their flights. Talking to Bernama, a newlywed couple on their honeymoon in Bali explained how they told their next flight wouldn’t be for another four days. They asked: “What are we going to do here for another five days? We only prepared enough money for our honeymoon and [were supposed] to go home yesterday. “We thought we would just sleep at the airport for a few hours and then take the morning flight home [on Monday]. We never thought we would end up being stuck here for days.” Another passenger told AFP how they had not heard any updates from the airline and were seeking out hotels only to find most of them have been fully booked. They described it as a “difficult situation” to be in. Most read in Travel Other airports that have also been forced closed include Halim Perdanakusuma and another in south Sumatra. Airlines are individually assessing the situation. Passengers are waiting for information of looking for alternative routes home Credit: Shutterstock Editorial For example, Qantas has said: “We appreciate that some customers may no longer wish to travel on flights to and from Jakarta. “If you booked a Qantas flight to/from Jakarta on or before 5 September 2026, for travel between 5 and 11 September inclusive, we’re offering a fee-free refund, travel credit or the option to change your travel date or your booking to depart from or arrive into Denpasar (up to 7 days from date of travel, subject to availability).” Today, Indonesia’s Geological Agency warned that “the probability of further eruptions in the coming periods remains high”. Over the weekend as many as eight airports were forced to stop flights which caused major disruption across parts of Indonesia. Passengers are waiting to hear for updates from their airlines Credit: Reuters Officials warn that the likelihood of more eruptions remains high Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The transport ministry reported on Monday that as many as 270,000 travellers were stranded. It added: “These figures are the cumulative operational impact since 5 September 2026 and cover flights that have been cancelled, delayed, or diverted.” Official advice from the FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Indonesia. It continues to add ‘FCDO advises against all travel to a number of volcanoes in Indonesia’. These include; Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province to within 7km of the crater Mount Sinabung, Karo Regency, North Sumatra to within 5km of the crater Mount Marapi, West Sumatra to within 3km of the crater Mount Semeru, Lumajang Regency, East Java to within 5km of the crater in the south-east of Mount Semura to within 500m from any riverbank of the Besuk Kobokan river for 13km from the crater Mount Ruang, Northern Sulawesi to within 7km of the crater Mount Ibu, North Maluku Province to within 7km of the crater Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance. Comment now