BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has begun disrupting domestic air travel to and from Bali, with the temporary closure of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport affecting flights from Bali to Jakarta and other destinations connected through the capital.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster said a number of passengers scheduled to return from Bali to Jakarta were unable to fly on Sunday (September 6, 2026) due to the disruption.

“Yesterday, I coordinated with Angkasa Pura. Soekarno-Hatta Airport was closed, so flights to Soekarno-Hatta and other destinations connected through the airport were also affected,” Koster said.

He said affected passengers had been handled by airlines and airport operators, including arrangements for ticket refunds. Koster also appreciated passengers’ understanding of the disruption, which was caused by natural factors.

“Passengers have been very understanding of the situation. This is a natural event that cannot be controlled. Initially, it meant passengers had to extend their stay, but the matter has been handled,” he said.

Despite the disruption to domestic flights, Koster confirmed that international flights to Bali have continued to operate normally.

“As for international flights to Bali, there has been absolutely no disruption. Operations have continued smoothly,” he stressed.

The disruption has also begun to affect the flow of domestic tourists to Bali. Jakarta is one of the main domestic air routes to Bali, meaning that disruptions to air connectivity from the capital have had a direct impact on passenger numbers.

“There is no problem with international flights. There has been a slight year-on-year increase. Domestic flights, however, have certainly been affected. The largest number of flights to Bali come from Jakarta,” Koster said.

Under normal conditions, between 12,000 and 16,000 domestic passengers pass through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali each day. However, the number dropped significantly when flights from Jakarta were disrupted following the closure of Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

“Yesterday, there was practically a significant decline,” Koster said.

Koster expressed hope that the Anak Krakatau eruption would end soon so that flights from Soekarno-Hatta to Bali and other destinations could return to normal.

“We hope the eruption of Anak Krakatau will end soon so flights from Soekarno-Hatta to Bali and other destinations can return to normal. Let us all pray,” he said.

The disruption has raised concerns for Bali’s tourism sector, particularly the domestic market, which remains heavily dependent on air connectivity through Jakarta.

Meanwhile, international flights to Bali are reported to be continuing normally, with no significant disruption to international tourist arrivals.