SriLankan Airlines has cancelled scheduled flights between Colombo and Jakarta following a volcanic eruption in Indonesia that has forced the closure of multiple airports and affected tens of thousands of passengers across the region.
SriLankan Airlines cancelled its scheduled services between Colombo and Jakarta on September 7, comprising flights UL 364 and UL 365, in response to volcanic ash dispersal from Indonesia's Mount Anak Krakatau. Indonesian aviation authorities suspended operations at multiple airports, including Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and seven other facilities, after volcanic ash and silica-laden rock fragments spread across the region, creating hazards to aircraft engines and flight control systems.
The western air corridor towards Sri Lanka was restricted by authorities following the eruption. One SriLankan Airlines flight scheduled to arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake was projected to land at 5:30 p.m. local time before being cancelled. The disruptions extended to previous days, with two SriLankan Airlines services from Sydney and Melbourne diverted to avoid affected airspace. Several Middle Eastern carriers operating Australia-Indonesia routes also altered their flight paths.
According to Indonesia's Transport Ministry, approximately 170,000 passengers have been affected by cancellations stemming from the volcanic activity. The widespread disruptions have created significant travel challenges across the region, with multiple international carriers adjusting operations in response to the safety concerns posed by the ashfall.