Ministry of Transportation Denies Reports of Complete International Flight Suspension Over Middle East Conflict
Jakarta — The Director-General of Civil Aviation at Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation, Lukman F. Laisa, has refuted reports circulating among the public regarding the suspension of all international flights due to the impact of the escalating situation in the Middle East region.
“The Directorate-General of Civil Aviation at the Ministry of Transportation continues to monitor intensively the operational developments of international flights affected by the dynamics of the situation in the Middle East region, and ensures that passenger handling proceeds smoothly, safely, and in a coordinated manner,” Lukman said in a written statement on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
Earlier, reports had circulated that the government had formally decided to temporarily suspend all international flight operations as a precautionary measure in response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
“As of 17 March 2026 at 10.30 WIB, there are two aircraft still stranded in Indonesia, with one unit each at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, both operated by Qatar Airways,” Lukman explained.
Emirates has implemented limited flights to and from Jakarta and Denpasar. However, operations were temporarily affected by disruptions to fuel farm facilities at Dubai Airport on 16 March 2026, which caused flight delays and schedule adjustments.
Handling of affected passengers continues, including the phased transportation of stranded passengers.
“Etihad Airways has also operated limited flights and is planning to increase flight frequency as part of a contingency measure, particularly for routes from Jakarta and Denpasar to Abu Dhabi,” he added.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has been conducting repatriation flights since 8 March 2026 and is gradually resuming limited flight services from Jakarta. Handling of affected passengers, including Umrah pilgrims, has been carried out through refund mechanisms, flight rescheduling, and transfers to other airlines.
“As of 16 March 2026, there are no longer any stranded passengers at Jeddah being handled by Qatar Airways,” he said.
Lukman explained that several airlines serving direct flights to Saudi Arabia, including Saudi Arabian Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Flyadeal, continue to operate normally and are unaffected by the conflict. Additionally, indirect flights via third countries operated by various international airlines have returned to normal operations and are ready to accommodate passenger travel needs.
“We will continue to coordinate with all stakeholders, including civil aviation authorities, airport operators, and airlines, to ensure the smooth operation of flights and provide optimal protection and services to all passengers,” Lukman said.
“The public is urged to continually monitor official information from airlines and relevant authorities and to adjust travel plans in accordance with current developments,” he stressed.