Jakarta’s Skies Reopen: Flights Resume After Semeru’s Ash Cloud

When Mount Semeru erupted earlier this week, a thick plume of ash drifted eastward, blanketing the airspace around Jakarta. The sudden surge forced Soekarno‑Hatta International Airport to halt all departures and arrivals, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and airlines scrambling for alternatives.

By Thursday morning, however, the worst seemed to be over. Meteorologists reported that the ash concentration had fallen below the critical threshold for safe take‑offs, and the airport’s control tower gave the green light for aircraft to move again. The announcement was met with a mixture of relief and lingering caution.

“We’re glad to see the sky clearing,” said a spokesperson for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. “Safety remains our top priority, so we’ll keep monitoring the situation closely and will suspend operations again if conditions deteriorate.”

Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Batik Air began releasing new slots, but the schedule is still a patchwork. Some flights are operating at reduced capacity, while others are delayed by an hour or two. Passengers who booked tickets during the shutdown are being urged to check with their carriers for the latest updates.

Travel agents reported a surge of inquiries, especially from business travelers who had to rearrange meetings and conferences. “It’s a headache,” one manager admitted, “but at least we can finally get to the airport without worrying about ash damage to the engines.”

Authorities have also stepped up cleaning efforts on the runways and taxiways, using specialized equipment to sweep away any residual ash that could pose a risk to aircraft performance. Ground staff are working around the clock, and the airport’s emergency response team remains on standby.

While the immediate danger appears to have passed, experts warn that future eruptions could happen without much warning. For now, the focus is on getting travelers back on their way and restoring a sense of normalcy to Indonesia’s busiest aviation hub.