Juanda Airport Management States Umrah Flights Remain Normal Amid Middle East Airspace Closure
Following the devastating Israeli-American attacks on Iran on Saturday, 28 February, which has shocked the world, Juanda International Airport management has assured the public that international flight operations, including umrah pilgrimage journeys, continue to operate normally. Flights for umrah purposes have not been affected by airspace closures in several Middle East regions.
General Manager of Juanda International Airport M Tohir explained that this assurance is based on the results of intensive coordination and monitoring conducted together with relevant stakeholders. “Based on coordination and monitoring that we have conducted with AirNav Indonesia, airlines, and all relevant agencies, to date there is no operational impact on flights to and from Juanda,” said M Tohir in an official statement on Monday, 2 March.
According to Tohir, the airport will continue to conduct ongoing coordination to ensure all flight activities comply with applicable safety standards. This step has been taken to ensure comfort and order for all airport users in the midst of dynamic global geopolitical situations.
“We continue to conduct intensive coordination to ensure all flight operations run safely, orderly, and in accordance with applicable safety standards,” said Tohir.
In response to the situation, Juanda Airport urged all prospective passengers, particularly those on international routes, to proactively update their travel information. Passengers are also advised to monitor flight schedules regularly through their respective airlines and access the official information channels of Juanda International Airport to obtain the latest data.
“This anticipatory step is hoped to provide reassurance to the public who have plans for air travel through East Java’s departure gateway,” said Tohir. Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives Hasan Basri Agus supported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ appeal to temporarily postpone umrah travel to Saudi Arabia for the safety of pilgrims amid Middle East geopolitical dynamics.
Escalation of conflict in the Middle East is beginning to have a significant impact on international air connectivity in Bali. The Israel-Lebanon conflict intensifies with 31 people killed and hundreds injured due to Israeli air strikes, with the Israeli Defence Forces urging southern Lebanese residents to evacuate 1 kilometre away.
Minister of Economic Coordination Airlangga Hartarto assessed that the surge in crude oil prices to 82 US dollars per barrel is not unrelated to the escalation of Middle East conflict. Iran mourns the deaths of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several military leaders in the US-Israeli attack, with President Pezeshkian calling this an open declaration of war.