Indonesian Ambassador: 23 Indonesian Citizens Temporarily Stranded at Abu Dhabi Airport Now Safe
Abu Dhabi – Twenty-three Indonesian nationals who were temporarily stranded at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi due to escalating military tensions in the Middle East have now secured protection and safely exited the airport area.
“They have all been successfully removed from the airport and accommodated in several hotels in Abu Dhabi,” said Indonesian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Judha Nugraha on Monday, 2 March.
The Indonesian nationals, predominantly transit passengers and several who had recently completed umrah pilgrimage, were forced to remain at Zayed Airport following widespread flight cancellations caused by airspace closures across multiple regions in the Middle East.
The incident occurred amid intensifying military conflict in the Middle East since late February 2026, when a series of airstrikes by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran triggered retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Tehran that extended to Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates.
Iranian attacks struck several areas including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with reports of explosions, airspace closures, suspension of international flights, and damage to civil transportation infrastructure.
Ambassador Judha Nugraha explained that the 23 stranded Indonesian nationals experienced delays in departing the airport due to operational disruptions and activity restrictions in the terminal area resulting from dynamic security conditions.
However, through intensive coordination between the Indonesian embassy in Abu Dhabi, local authorities, and airlines, all Indonesian nationals were assured consular protection and safely evacuated, subsequently being accommodated according to their temporary needs.
“All Indonesian nationals are in safe condition and have received support from representatives of the Indonesian government in Abu Dhabi. We continue to monitor the situation and ensure their rights and safety are protected,” said Judha Nugraha.
Iran reportedly launched hundreds of drones and missiles, most of which were intercepted by UAE air defences; however, debris from combat equipment that fell to the ground caused damage and casualties among civilian populations.
The Middle East conflict has impacted flights by several international airlines, including Etihad Airways, which is government-owned by Abu Dhabi. The airline suspended flights to and from the United Arab Emirates for an indefinite period until at least 4 March 2026.
The Indonesian government, through its embassy, also continues to urge all Indonesian nationals in the Persian Gulf region to remain vigilant, register their presence through official channels, and follow safety guidelines from local authorities to ensure their safety during this uncertain period.