Indonesia calls for caution on Middle East flights

He said the conflict has affected several international flights crossing Middle Eastern airspace, with some services canceled while others continue operating under adjusted routes.

“We urge airlines to increase vigilance and passengers to actively monitor official updates,” he said on Sunday.

A number of foreign carriers have suspended or canceled flights to and from cities in the region following the escalation. They include Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, IndiGo, SriLankan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Scoot.

Two Indonesian carriers operating through Middle Eastern airspace — Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air — remain unaffected, he said.

Garuda and Lion Air flights to Jeddah continue to operate normally, while Garuda’s Amsterdam service has been rerouted via Cairo, Egypt.

“Flight safety and security remain our top priority,” Purwagandhi stressed.

The Transportation Ministry is coordinating with AirNav Indonesia, airlines, airport operators and foreign aviation authorities to monitor developments and ensure safe operations.

Several countries in the region have temporarily closed their airspace, prompting airlines to adjust routes. The ministry has asked carriers to closely monitor airspace conditions, including for umrah travel.

Purwagandhi said airlines and airport operators have also been instructed to assist affected passengers through rebooking, accommodation arrangements and immigration processing.

He assured that international flight operations at Indonesian airports continue to run safely and smoothly.

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Translator: Harianto, Kenzu