International Flights Cancelled in Middle East as Transport Ministry Monitors Stranded Indonesians
Jakarta – Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has called on international airlines operating routes to or transiting Middle Eastern airspace to heighten their security precautions, following escalating tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States. Several airlines have been significantly impacted by the conflict in the region.
“Some international flights passing through the Middle East have been affected, with some cancelled, though some routes remain unaffected so far. We therefore urge airlines to increase vigilance and encourage passengers to actively monitor the latest information,” said Dudy in Jakarta on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
Multiple foreign carriers have announced flight cancellations and suspended operations to and from all Middle Eastern cities following the Iran-Israel conflict escalation. Airlines that have cancelled or suspended operations include Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Indigo Airlines, Sri Lanka Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Scoot.
Saudia Airlines is monitoring several Middle Eastern destinations, whilst Ethiopian Airlines continues operations but has suspended flights to Amman (Jordan) and Tel Aviv (Israel).
Both Indonesian domestic carriers transiting Middle Eastern airspace—Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air—have so far remained unaffected by the conflict. The Transport Minister noted that Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air flights to Jeddah remain operational, whilst Garuda’s Amsterdam service has been rerouted via Cairo (Egypt).
The minister stressed that flight safety and security remain the top priority. The Transport Ministry continues to coordinate with Airnav Indonesia, airlines, airport operators and foreign authorities to update information on Middle Eastern airspace security and ensure flights remain safe and efficient.
Several countries have closed their airspace to all arrivals and departures, including both commercial and private flights. These nations include Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Syria.
“We have coordinated with and requested airlines to monitor Middle Eastern airspace conditions, including for pilgrimage travel,” said Dudy.
Given the flight cancellations and schedule adjustments, the minister has instructed airlines and airport operators to provide appropriate assistance to affected passengers in accordance with applicable procedures. This includes processing cancellations at immigration offices, arranging accommodation and rebooking flights.
Dudy has also ensured that flight operations across all Indonesian airports, particularly for international routes, continue to operate safely, smoothly and optimally for both departing and arriving passengers.