Jakarta: The eruption of Anak Krakatau volcano in Indonesia caused the suspension of flight operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, affecting dozens of flights and disrupting some school activities, as volcanic ash spread across parts of the islands of Java and Sumatra.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation stated in a statement on Sunday that the suspension of flights at the airport, the busiest in the country, lasted for several hours due to the continued detection of volcanic ash in the airport area.

The ministry explained that the suspension affected 209 flights, including international flights, noting that the volcano’s activity began late Friday, while ash was detected at the airport in the early hours of Sunday morning.

For its part, the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency reported that volcanic ash was detected at an altitude of approximately 6,000 meters on the side extending towards Java, while another cloud reached an altitude of about 15,000 meters towards Sumatra and parts of Banten province.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency urged residents to exercise caution during ashfall, minimize outdoor activities, use face masks and eye protection, cover water sources, and drive carefully due to reduced visibility.

Local media reported that several schools canceled classes on Saturday after students and residents suffered eye irritation from the ash, while some fishermen canceled their trips due to the volcanic activity.

Authorities maintained the alert level for Anak Krakatau volcano at level three, prohibiting residents and visitors from approaching within three kilometers of its active crater.

No injuries or evacuation orders have been reported, and authorities confirmed there is no indication of an imminent tsunami threat from the volcanic activity.