Soekarno-Hatta Reopens as Ash Clears
Flights between Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta are partially back on track after Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) resumed operations disrupted by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. The recovery is gradual, and as of September 8, 2026, a number of services are still grounded.
Malay Mail, citing a statement from Malaysia Airlines posted on X, first reported the partial resumption.
Which Flights Are Running and Which Are Not
Four Malaysia Airlines services are operating as scheduled: MH717 (Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta), MH716 (Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur), MH721 (Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta), and MH723 (Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta).
Five flights remain cancelled. On the Kuala Lumpur-to-Jakarta direction, MH713 and MH711 are not operating. Returning to Kuala Lumpur, MH712, MH710, and MH726 are also cancelled. The airline has stated it is closely monitoring the evolving situation and will communicate further updates directly to affected passengers.
What Passengers Should Do Now
Malaysia Airlines is advising travelers to verify that their contact information is current in the "My Booking" section of the airline's website. Timely notifications are being sent by email and SMS, so an outdated phone number or address could mean missing a critical update.
For direct assistance, passengers can reach the airline's live chat through its website, or call the Global Contact Centre at 1-300-88-3000 from within Malaysia or +603-7843 3000 from abroad.
For anyone transiting through Jakarta or planning onward domestic connections, it is worth confirming the status of your specific flight number before heading to the airport, since the cancellations are not uniform across the schedule.
The Broader Context: Volcanic Ash and Aviation
Mount Anak Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, has a documented history of eruptions that periodically affect flight paths and airport operations across western Java. Volcanic ash poses serious risks to aircraft engines, which is why aviation authorities and airlines respond quickly with suspensions even when the visual impact on the ground seems limited. Resumptions, as seen here, tend to be phased rather than immediate, as operators assess air quality and runway conditions before clearing the full schedule.
For travelers with flexible itineraries, building in an extra buffer day when routing through Jakarta during periods of volcanic activity is a practical precaution.
Why It Matters for Hosts
Independent accommodation and tour operators in Jakarta should treat volcanic ash events as a trigger for proactive guest communication, not just a reason to wait. When CGK suspensions occur, guests may face last-minute rerouting, extended layovers, or multi-day delays. Operators who reach out first, with clear information about check-in flexibility, luggage storage, or nearby transport alternatives, tend to earn stronger reviews and repeat bookings. Keeping a short, ready-to-send message template for flight disruption scenarios is a low-effort step that can meaningfully reduce guest stress during events like this.
This post is published on the Qontaktly travel blog. Details of the flight resumption were first reported by Malay Mail on September 8, 2026.
First reported by malaymail.com.