Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau has caused flight cancellations and delays between Changi and Jakarta airports, affecting hundreds of passengers.
At least 19 Singapore Airlines flights were cancelled, with 301 flights overall affected by disruptions, including delays and diversions, between 1.30am and 1.30pm on Sunday. Operations are expected to resume at 1am Singapore time. The disruptions were caused by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, located approximately 180km from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta airport. The Indonesian airport serves as the country's primary hub for international and domestic flights. The suspension of flights was initially scheduled to last until 5.30am in Jakarta (6.30am Singapore time) but was repeatedly extended as conditions worsened.
A pregnant passenger, Ms Catrine Carina, was among those stranded after her flight was grounded. She had planned to stay in Indonesia until next year but now faces uncertainty over her travel arrangements. The couple had relied on airline communications, but conflicting notices led to confusion. Ms Carina and her husband, Mr Weng Ming Xing, had checked the Singapore Airlines website and did not see any indication that their flight would be cancelled. They later learned that the airline had sent them an SMS, but they missed it in their rush to the airport. The couple now faces the possibility of needing a new fit-to-fly medical note, depending on when their rescheduled flight departs.
Why it matters
The disruption impacts passengers with urgent travel needs, such as expectant mothers, who face delays in medical documentation requirements.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Passengers will need to monitor updates on flight resumption and medical documentation deadlines for those requiring fit-to-fly notes.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.