Iran-Israel Conflict Results in Cancellation of Abu Dhabi and Jeddah Routes from Kualanamu Airport
Escalating conflict in the Middle East has impacted flight operations in Indonesia. Two Middle East routes from Kualanamu International Airport were cancelled on Sunday (1 March) due to airspace closures in regions affected by the conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran.
Mohamad Hikmat, Corporate Affairs Director of Angkasa Pura Aviasi, confirmed that two flights were cancelled on Sunday: Lion Air flight JT 084 on the Kualanamu-Jeddah route and Etihad Airways flights EY 480/EY 481 on the Abu Dhabi-Kualanamu and Kualanamu-Abu Dhabi routes.
“At present, Etihad Airways operates the Abu Dhabi route and Lion Air’s Umroh (pilgrimage) flight to the Middle East,” Hikmat told CNN Indonesia on Sunday.
Hikmat emphasised that the airspace closure did not occur within Indonesian airspace, including at Kualanamu Airport. The adjustments only affected flights destined for Middle Eastern countries.
“These cancellations result from flight schedule adjustments due to airspace closures in several Middle East regions,” Hikmat explained.
He stated that Kualanamu International Airport’s operations remained normal. Angkasa Pura Aviasi assured that it would continue coordinating with all airlines and relevant authorities to ensure safety, security and smooth flight operations at Kualanamu Airport.
“Airport operations continue normally. Airspace closures occurred in the Middle East region, not within the airspace of Kualanamu International Airport,” he said.
Hikmat added that airlines currently serving direct routes from Kualanamu to the Middle East include Etihad Airways for the Abu Dhabi route and Lion Air for Umroh flights.
Schedule adjustments remain the responsibility of individual airlines in accordance with their operational conditions and aviation safety factors.
The airport also advised all prospective passengers to confirm their departure schedules before arriving at the airport.
“To avoid travel disruptions, all prospective passengers must verify their latest flight schedules and coordinate directly with their airline to obtain the most current information,” Hikmat said.