Anak Krakatau erupts, sending ash nearly 10 miles high and disrupting thousands of flights

Indonesia's Anak Krakatau volcano erupted explosively for more than 24 hours in early September 2026, sending ash as high as 15,000 meters (50,000 feet) to the west and 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) east of the volcano. The ash cloud forced the temporary closure of eight airports across Java, disrupted nearly 3,000 flights, and worsened air quality as far away as Jakarta. NASA's Landsat 8 and Suomi NPP satellites captured images of the plume on September 5 as explosive activity continued.