The Situation at Kualanamu International Airport
On September 2, 2026, Mount Sinabung, an active volcano on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, emitted a new cloud of volcanic ash that forced the temporary closure of Kualanamu International Airport (KNO). Due to reduced visibility and flight safety risks, 21 flights departing from and arriving at the airport were canceled.
Volcanic ash is particularly dangerous for aircraft: it can damage engines, electronic systems, and compromise visibility during landing and takeoff. For this reason, airport authorities opted for the temporary suspension of operations.
Which Flights and Airports Are at Risk?
Currently, the problem exclusively concerns Kualanamu International Airport (/airports/kno/), the main hub of Medan, Sumatra. Passengers with flights departing from or arriving at KNO in the coming hours should closely monitor updates from the airline and the airport.
Cancellations affect flights operated by various airlines in the area. It is important to check your flight status, as the situation can evolve rapidly depending on volcanic activity and weather conditions.
Passenger Rights: What EU261 Regulation Provides
If you are traveling with a European airline or on an aircraft registered in the EU, in case of cancellation or long delay, you might be entitled to financial compensation under Regulation EC 261/2004 (EU261). However, the presence of volcanic ash is considered an extraordinary event beyond the airline’s control, so financial compensation may not be due.
In any case, airlines must provide assistance to passengers, which includes:
- Ticket reimbursement or rebooking on an alternative flight
- Meals and refreshments based on waiting time
- Hotel accommodation and transfers, if necessary
- Telephone assistance and updated information
Make sure to keep all travel documents and communications, as they may be necessary for any reimbursement or assistance requests.
Practical Advice for Passengers Stranded or at Risk
If you have travel plans to or from Kualanamu, here’s what to do:
- Check your flight status directly on the airline’s website or reliable portals
- Arrive at the airport well in advance and check updates on monitors
- Follow the instructions of airport staff and use official channels for information
- In case of cancellation, immediately request rebooking or refund options
- Consider changing your travel plans:
- Use an alternative airport if possible
- Postpone your trip until the emergency ends
We recommend following news and updates to maximize safety and minimize inconvenience.
Sources
- The Traveler - Mount Sinabung ash forces 21 flight cancellations at Kualanamu Read the original news
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