Air Cargo

Indonesian Air Cargo Operations Struggle to Recover After Krakatau Eruption

Indonesia's air freight sector faces extended disruption following a volcanic eruption that shuttered eight major airports over the weekend. Anak Krakatau, positioned in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, erupted Friday, forcing temporary closure of Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta and other critical hubs. Soekarno-Hatta and four other airports have since reopened, though recovery remains incomplete. Over 3,000 flights were cancelled, leaving substantial cargo backlogs stranded. Industry analysts warn that airport reopenings do not signal immediate normalcy. Airlines must restore flight rotations, reposition crews, and inspect 178 aircraft grounded at Soekarno-Hatta before resuming full operations. Rebooked cargo and capacity constraints will likely create delays and missed connections through coming days. Regional hubs including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Doha may experience secondary effects as carriers reposition equipment and manage schedule disruptions.