Returning Normal, Soekarno-Hatta Airport Targeting 896 Flights Today

Tangerang: Operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Soetta) returned to normal on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, following a total closure caused by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau.

Yudis Tiawan, Assistant Deputy for Communications and Legal Affairs at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, stated that the airport targets handling 896 flights and an estimated 113,000 passengers by the end of the day.

Airport operations resumed following a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued early Tuesday morning. By 13:00 WIB (Western Indonesia Time), 324 flights had already been successfully handled, comprising 208 departures and 116 arrivals.

"Soekarno-Hatta Airport is operational again. As we can see behind me, flights are gradually resuming. We report that as of 13:00 WIB today, we have recorded 324 flights operating at Soekarno-Hatta Airport—208 departures and 116 arrivals. We hope this positive situation continues," said Yudis during a Metro TV breaking news broadcast on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Activity resumed after observations and "paper tests" for volcanic ash levels showed a positive trend. To date, Soekarno-Hatta Airport has recorded negative results for volcanic ash exposure across four consecutive checks. Conditions were further aided by wind patterns carrying the volcanic ash away from the Jakarta area toward the Indian Ocean.

Although flight schedules are recovering, Yudis Tiawan emphasized that safety remains the top priority. Airport authorities are continuously conducting periodic cleanups to remove volcanic ash from the runway, taxiway, and aircraft aprons.

Given the passenger delays over the past two days, the situation across Terminals 1, 2, and 3 remains fluid. Departure boards still show schedule changes or rescheduling for a number of flights.

Consequently, airport management urges prospective passengers to coordinate with their respective airlines' customer service departments and to travel to the airport only if their tickets are confirmed.

"We urge prospective passengers to coordinate with their respective airlines' customer service. Passengers should ensure their tickets are confirmed and properly registered. Each airline has its own systems or official communication channels to inform customers of flight statuses,” added the official.

Passengers holding confirmed tickets for flights today may proceed directly to Soekarno-Hatta Airport. However, for those without confirmed tickets, we advise coordinating first through the relevant airline's official channels," the official stated.

Nevertheless, the volcano in the Sunda Strait remains at Level 3 (Alert status); therefore, the central government -,acting on instructions from President Prabowo Subianto,- has directed all relevant agencies to remain on standby to anticipate any potential subsequent volcanic activity.