Why in News?
Mount Anak Krakatau erupted in Indonesia, disrupting air travel and affecting more than 270,000 passengers across eight airports, including Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The eruption began in the late hours of 4 September 2026 and continued for nearly 25 hours, with volcanic ash spreading across parts of Java, Sumatra and Banten.
Location and Geography
- Location: Sunda Strait, between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra
- Meaning: Anak Krakatau means “Child of Krakatoa”
- Formation: Emerged from the sea in the 1920s
- Origin: Developed inside the caldera created by the catastrophic 1883 Krakatoa eruption
- Type: Somma stratovolcano
- Tectonic setting: Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire
- Indonesia has more than 120 active volcanoes.
Why is Volcanic Ash Dangerous for Aircraft?
- Damage or shut down jet engines — ash can melt inside the hot engine and later solidify on turbine components.
- Reduce visibility, making flying difficult and unsafe.
- Damage sensors and aircraft systems.
- Force airport and airspace closures to prevent accidents.
