Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi Urges Airlines to Exercise Caution on Middle East Routes
Indonesia’s Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has urged international airlines operating routes to or transiting the Middle East region to increase their vigilance following escalating tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States.
Purwagandhi noted that several airline operators have reported being affected by the conflict in the Middle East. Some international flights transiting the region have been impacted, with some cancelled, whilst others currently remain unaffected.
“We urge airlines to heighten their vigilance and passengers to actively monitor information developments,” the Transport Minister said in Jakarta on Sunday, 1 March.
Multiple foreign carriers have cancelled or suspended operations on all Middle Eastern routes since the escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict. Airlines that have implemented these measures include Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Indigo Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Scoot.
Saudia Airlines continues to monitor certain Middle Eastern destinations, Oman Air operates normally, and Ethiopian Airlines continues operations but does not service Amman (Jordan) and Tel Aviv (Israel).
The Transport Minister noted that the two domestic carriers transiting Middle Eastern airspace, Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air, have not been affected by the conflict so far. Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air flights to Jeddah remain unaffected, whilst Garuda Indonesia flights to Amsterdam are being rerouted via Cairo, Egypt.
“Flight safety and security remain our top priority,” Purwagandhi emphasised.
The Ministry of Transport continues to coordinate with Airnav Indonesia, airlines, airport operators and foreign authorities to update information on Middle Eastern airspace security and ensure safe and smooth flight operations.
Several countries have closed their airspace to all arrivals and departures, including both commercial and private flights. These nations include Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Syria.
“We have coordinated and requested airlines to monitor Middle Eastern airspace conditions, including for religious pilgrimage flights,” he said.
Given the various flight cancellations and adjustments, Purwagandhi stated he has requested airlines and airport operators to provide appropriate passenger assistance in accordance with applicable procedures. This includes processing travel document cancellations at immigration, accommodation arrangements and flight rescheduling.
The Transport Minister also assured that flight operations at all Indonesian airports, particularly on international routes, will continue to run safely, smoothly and optimally for both passenger departures and arrivals.