Japan’s Sakurajima Volcano erupts, ash plume reaches 3,000m, 25 flights cancelled

16th May 2025 – (Tokyo) From 15th – 16th May, Sakurajima Volcano, located in Kagoshima Prefecture on Japan’s Kyushu island, erupted multiple times, sending volcanic ash as high as 3,000 meters into the sky. According to Japanese media reports, 25 flights departing from and arriving at Kagoshima Airport were canceled due to the eruption.

The eruption began at the Minamidake summit crater on May 15 at approximately 10.45amvand lasted for about 17 hours until 4am on 16th May. Further eruptions were observed after 8am the same day. Large volcanic rocks were reported to have scattered as far as the 7th station of the volcano, which is approximately 600 to 900 meters from the crater.

For safety precautions, the volcanic alert level has been set to Level 3, restricting public access to the mountain.

Due to the impact of volcanic ash, flights were unable to take off, leading to the cancellation of multiple flights. The volcanic alert level has been set to Level 3, restricting public access to the mountain.