The Japan Guides

Sakurajima Eruption Grounds Kagoshima Flights

· 2 min read Travel News
Kyushu coastline with Sakurajima volcano in the background

One of Japan’s most active volcanoes erupted violently on 7 June 2026, sending a plume of volcanic ash approximately 3,500 metres into the sky above Kagoshima City and triggering an immediate travel disruption across Kyushu’s southernmost prefecture.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) raised the alert level for Sakurajima following the eruption, issuing safety warnings for residents and visitors in the surrounding area. Ashfall blanketed parts of Kagoshima City, significantly reducing visibility and forcing authorities to close hiking trails on the volcano and suspend ferry services between the city and Sakurajima island.

Flight cancellations

Kagoshima Airport reported 43 flight cancellations across multiple carriers, including Japan Air Commuter, Japan Airlines, ANA Wings, Skymark Airlines, Solaseed Air, All Nippon Airways, and Korean Air, according to reporting by GMA News on 7 June and Travel and Tour World on 8 June. Passengers holding tickets to or from Kagoshima are advised to check directly with their airline before travelling, as services may remain disrupted while volcanic activity continues.

What is closed

In addition to flight cancellations, cable car services and guided excursions on Sakurajima island are suspended until the alert level is lowered. Ferry crossings from Kagoshima Port to Sakurajima are also halted. Tourists planning to visit the volcano — a major draw in Kyushu — should postpone that part of their itinerary and monitor JMA updates at jma.go.jp.

Planning your trip to Kagoshima

For visitors already in the city, central Kagoshima and most Kagoshima attractions remain accessible, though face masks are advisable in ash-affected areas. Day trips from Kagoshima to nearby destinations such as Ibusuki and the Kirishima mountains are not directly affected by the eruption.

Passengers whose flights have been cancelled may be entitled to rebooking or compensation. We have a full guide to flight delay compensation in Japan that covers your rights under Japanese aviation rules. For international routes, FlightRights specialises in compensation claims if your airline has not resolved the disruption.

The situation is developing. We will update this article as JMA adjusts alert levels.