KUALA LUMPUR – Batik Air has cancelled eight scheduled flights between Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta today following continued volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia.
The airline said the cancellations were made as a precautionary measure after the latest Notice to Airmen issued by AirNav Indonesia indicated that flight operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta were affected.
The affected flights are OD398 from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta at 6.45am and OD399 from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur at 9am.
Also cancelled are OD346 from Subang to Jakarta at 9.30am and OD347 from Jakarta to Subang at 11.45am.
The airline also cancelled OD388 from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta at 11.45am, OD389 from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur at 1.50pm, OD390 from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta at 3.45pm and OD391 from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur at 5.50pm.
Batik Air said the decision was made in close coordination with aviation authorities and airport operators, with passenger and crew safety remaining its top priority.
It said volcanic ash in the airspace could reduce visibility, interfere with aircraft navigation systems and potentially affect engine performance.
Affected passengers may opt to reschedule their travel to the next available Batik Air flight, subject to availability, or request a refund.
Passengers have been advised to contact Batik Air’s Customer Care Centre or their respective booking channels for assistance.
The airline said it would continue monitoring the situation and provide updates on flight operations through its official website and social media platforms, while affected passengers would also be notified through their registered contact details.
Mount Anak Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, is an active volcano that emerged following the catastrophic 1883 eruption of Krakatau. Volcanic ash from eruptions can pose a significant risk to aviation, particularly aircraft engines and flight navigation systems. -MalayaDailyToday
