15 Flights Cancelled, 3,000 Passengers Stranded Due to Middle East Conflict Impact
A severe escalation of conflict in the Middle East has begun to significantly impact international air connectivity in Bali. As of Monday, 2 March at 13:00 Wita, a total of 15 international flights at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali have been cancelled due to airspace closures in several countries affected by the conflict.
Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, Communication and Legal Division Head of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia at Ngurah Rai Airport, revealed that this policy was adopted to avoid aviation security risks. In total, 8 departure schedules and 7 arrival schedules have been declared cancelled.
According to the latest reports, cancellations are predominantly affecting airlines operating routes with transits through the Middle East region. This situation has caused a build-up of passengers at the international terminal. Airline data indicates that 3,197 prospective departing passengers have been affected by these schedule adjustments.
The management of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia continues coordinating with airlines and AirNav Indonesia to monitor the global airspace situation. Despite the cancellation of Middle East routes, Gede Eka emphasised that airport operations remain generally optimal.
“We have anticipated parking stand arrangements for 5 aircraft from 3 affected airlines. Passenger handling is being carried out in accordance with each airline’s policies,” he explained.
For prospective passengers requiring updated information regarding flight schedules and compensation, they can access services provided by their respective airlines.
The airport authority has advised all prospective passengers to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid further congestion at the terminal.
Despite the intensifying conflict in the Middle East between Iran, the United States, and Israel, this situation has not impacted Umrah pilgrim flights. Communication has been conducted with Indonesian embassies in Tehran (Iran), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Muscat (Oman), Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Manama (Bahrain), Doha (Qatar), and Kuwait.
The Head of the Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Purwakarta Regency, Syamsi Mufti, has urged Umrah pilgrims to exercise caution and maintain conducive conditions. The chairman of the National Hajj Commission, Mustolih Siradj, has urged the government to guarantee the security and safety of Umrah pilgrims amid the conflict situation in the Middle East.