Up to 200 Hong Kong-bound domestic helpers remain stranded in Indonesia following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatoa, despite a partial reopening of airports affected by volcanic ash, officials and industry representatives said.

Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport resumed operations on Monday after being closed for several days due to the eruption on Saturday. The event disrupted air travel across the region, with eight airports suspending services and nearly 3,000 flights canceled or delayed, impacting more than 340,000 passengers.

Cheung Kit-man, chairman of the Hong Kong Employment Agencies Association, said the stranded workers included between 150 and 200 domestic helpers, comprising both new hires and those returning from leave. While some were expected to depart on flights resumed Monday, concerns remain over further disruptions should Anak Krakatoa erupt again. “It is a natural phenomenon and can erupt at any time. No one can predict it,” Cheung said. “If it does erupt again, we already have contingency plans in place.”

In response to the disruptions, some workers have been rerouted to depart from Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, which has not been affected by the volcanic activity. Employment agencies have also coordinated with airlines to place these helpers on priority standby lists to facilitate their travel.

Betty Yung Ma Shan-yee, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Employers of Overseas Domestic Helpers Association, highlighted the impact on families relying on the workers. “Families, especially those who need care for the elderly, are most affected,” she said, emphasizing a desire for a swift return to regular air service to minimize further inconvenience.

Despite the reopening, flight schedules remain heavily impacted. According to the Hong Kong International Airport website, three out of four flights originating from Jakarta on Monday were canceled. Over the weekend and into Monday, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport experienced over 240 cancellations or delays, disrupting the travel plans of nearly 30,000 passengers.

Mount Anak Krakatoa, situated about 150 kilometers from Jakarta, erupted on Saturday, releasing lava and a plume of ash that forced multiple airports to shut down operations over several days. Authorities continue to monitor the volcano closely amid concerns of potential renewed activity.