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Explained in plain English

How do airports decide to close?

Airport closures due to volcanic ash involve careful assessment by aviation authorities and meteorologists. They monitor ash plume forecasts, satellite imagery, and ground observations to determine the risk. The decision to close airports, like Jakarta's, is made to ensure passenger safety and prevent damage to aircraft, prioritising caution over continued operations.

Stories that explain this

Volcano ash strands 170,000 passengers as 8 Indonesian airports close Jakarta airport reopens after Anak Krakatau volcano ash clears

Related explainers

What is Anak Krakatau? Why is ash dangerous for planes? What is Indonesia's Ring of Fire? What is Indonesia's volcano risk? Who decides airport closures? How are airport charges regulated? What are airport curfews? What is airport 'disruption'?

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