Ministry of Transport Confirms Flight Operations Continue

Jakarta – The Ministry of Transport (Kemenhub) of the Republic of Indonesia has ensured that international flight operations continue to function amid the evolving situation in the Middle East region.

In response to reports circulating among the public regarding the suspension of all international flights due to the impact of the Middle East situation, the Ministry of Transport through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation clarified that such reports are inaccurate, according to Lukman F. Laisa, Director General of Civil Aviation at Kemenhub, in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He stated that the ministry continues to intensively monitor developments in international flight operations affected by the Middle East situation and ensures that passenger handling is conducted properly, safely and in a coordinated manner.

Lukman reported that as of 17 March 2026 at 10.30 WIB, two aircraft remained stranded in Indonesia – one at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and one at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport – both operated by Qatar Airways.

With the reopening of United Arab Emirates airspace, several airlines have resumed limited flight operations. Emirates has commenced limited flights to and from Jakarta and Denpasar. However, operations were briefly disrupted by a fuel farm facility failure at Dubai Airport on 16 March 2026, causing flight delays and schedule adjustments.

“Handling of affected passengers continues, including the phased transportation of stranded passengers,” Lukman explained.

Etihad Airways has also resumed limited flight operations and plans to increase flight frequencies as part of contingency measures, particularly on routes from Jakarta and Denpasar to Abu Dhabi.

Qatar Airways has conducted repatriation flights since 8 March 2026 and is gradually resuming limited flight services from Jakarta. Affected passenger handling, including Umrah pilgrims, has been implemented through refund mechanisms, rebooking, and transfers to other carriers. As of 16 March 2026, no stranded passengers from Jeddah remain in Qatar Airways’ care.

Several airlines operating direct flights to Saudi Arabia – including Saudi Arabian Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Flyadeal – continue normal operations and remain unaffected by the conflict.