Airlines race to clear backlog as Indonesia's airports reopen after volcanic ash clears

Flights have resumed at several major airports in Indonesia, after a volcanic eruption grounded nearly 3,000 flights for days, affecting more than 340,000 travellers. But the impact is far from over — airlines are now racing to clear a backlog of stranded passengers and cancelled flights. Up to 10 alternative airports have been designated to absorb disrupted flight rotations, with free shuttle buses and train links connecting the alternative airport hubs. Indonesia's transport minister has mandated that commercial carriers extend 100% ticket refunds or cost-free rebookings immediately to prevent terminal overcrowding. Chandni Vatvani reports from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.