September 07, Colombo (LNW): SriLankan Airlines has cancelled its scheduled Colombo–Jakarta services today as volcanic ash from Indonesia has disrupted air travel across the region.
The airline said flights UL 364, operating from Colombo to Jakarta, and UL 365, travelling in the opposite direction, would not operate because of hazardous conditions linked to volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatoa.
Indonesia’s aviation authorities have temporarily suspended operations at a number of airports, including Jakarta’s Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, after ash and fine rock particles entered the surrounding airspace. Such material can pose a serious threat to aircraft by affecting engines, flight-control systems and visibility.
Restrictions have also been placed on aircraft using the western air corridor in the direction of Sri Lanka, further complicating flight operations between South Asia, Indonesia and Australia.
The latest cancellations come after SriLankan Airlines diverted two services last night involving flights from Sydney and Melbourne, as crews avoided areas of affected airspace.
Other international airlines, including carriers operating routes between Australia and Indonesia via the Middle East, have also been forced to adjust flight paths as aviation authorities continue to monitor the spread of volcanic ash.
With several Indonesian airports temporarily affected, disruption is expected to continue while authorities assess atmospheric conditions and determine when affected routes can safely reopen.
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