Several International Airlines Cancel and Suspend Operations Following Iran-Israel Conflict Escalation

Jakarta – Several foreign airlines have cancelled and suspended flights to and from cities in the Middle East following the escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that airlines that have suspended temporary operations include Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Indigo Airlines, Srilanka Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Scoot.

“Saudia Airlines is still monitoring several destinations in the Middle East, Oman Air is operating normally, and Ethiopian Airlines continues to operate normally but is not operating flights to Amman (Jordan) and Tel Aviv (Israel),” Dudy said in an official statement on Sunday (1 March 2026).

Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air, which traverse Middle Eastern airspace, have not been affected by the conflict.

“Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air flights to Jeddah have not been affected, whilst Garuda Indonesia flights to Amsterdam have been rerouted via Cairo (Egypt),” he added.

Dudy urged international airlines operating routes to or crossing the Middle East to increase vigilance.

“We urge airlines to increase vigilance and passengers to actively monitor information developments,” Dudy said.

On 28 February 2026, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in a combined military operation by the United States and Israel. The military operation was claimed to be for “eliminating an immediate threat”.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described Khamenei’s killing as a “declaration of war against the Islamic community” and promised retaliation.

The impact of the conflict has spread to several countries. Explosions were heard in Dubai, Riyadh, Manama, and Qatar. Duqm port in Oman became a target of drone attacks. Oil tanker ships were also targeted.

The incident resulted in hundreds of deaths in Iran. Dubai International Airport cancelled thousands of flights and closed operations temporarily until a date to be determined.