Middle East Tensions Disrupt Flights; Citilink Responds
Jakarta — Escalation of conflict in the Middle East region is beginning to impact operations of several global airlines. Several countries have closed their airspace, triggering flight cancellations and adjustments to international routes transiting the region.
Amid this situation, several Indonesian airlines are also monitoring developments in airspace conditions. Corporate Secretary and CSR Group Head of PT Citilink Indonesia Tashia Scholz confirmed that the airline’s operations continue to run normally.
“Citilink currently has no routes to the Middle East, so flights continue to operate normally,” Tashia told CNBC Indonesia on Monday, 2 March 2026.
This statement emerged as several airlines began adjusting their operations due to conflict involving Iran, Israel, and their allies such as the United States. Several countries in the region have also closed their airspace to commercial flights. This situation has prompted global airlines to take preventive measures to ensure flight safety.
Despite having no direct routes to the region, Citilink is still intensifying coordination with various parties in the aviation industry to monitor potential impacts that may arise.
“However, we continue to coordinate intensively with all airport stakeholders in Indonesia, particularly airports serving international flights, to anticipate any potential impact from delays or schedule changes,” said Tashia.
Earlier, national airline Garuda Indonesia suspended flights to Doha, Qatar effective 28 February 2026 until further notice. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure following Qatar’s temporary closure of its airspace due to escalating conflict in the Middle East.
“Garuda Indonesia suspends flights to and from Doha, Qatar, effective 28 February 2026 until further notice, following the temporary closure of Qatar’s airspace due to escalation of the situation in the Middle East region,” stated Garuda Indonesia’s official X account on Monday, 2 March 2026.
Beyond Qatar, several other countries in the region have closed their airspace, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Syria. This situation has led many international airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines to cancel or adjust their flight routes.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi previously stated that several Indonesian airline flights transiting Middle East airspace continue to operate with certain route adjustments. The government also continues to coordinate with airlines and aviation authorities to ensure safety remains the top priority amid the intensifying geopolitical situation.
“Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air flights to Jeddah have not been affected, while Garuda Indonesia flights to Amsterdam have been rerouted through Cairo, Egypt,” explained Dudy in an official statement on Monday, 2 March 2026.