Transport Minister Reaffirms International Flights Not Closed

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has reaffirmed that international flights have not been suspended despite ongoing dynamics in the Middle East region, ensuring continued global passenger connectivity and mobility.

“This may be beyond the Ketupat Operation or traffic management arrangements. Earlier there was a report regarding flight closures, and the government was informed that international flight suspension would occur. We can clarify that this report is incorrect,” said the Transport Minister in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He emphasised this point whilst conducting a work visit to inspect Eid 1447 Hijri/2026 Gregorian transportation operations at Merak and Ciwandan Ports in Banten on Tuesday evening (17 March), alongside National Police Traffic Corps Commander Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho.

“The relevant media outlet has also issued a clarification and retracted the report,” the Transport Minister stated.

“In response to reports circulating amongst the public regarding the halting of all international flights due to impacts from the situation in the Middle East region, the Ministry of Transport through the Directorate General of Air Transport is clarifying that this report is incorrect,” said Director General of Air Transport Lukman F. Laisa in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday evening (17 March).

He stated that his office continues to intensively monitor developments in international flight operations affected by the Middle East regional situation, whilst ensuring passenger handling proceeds safely, securely, and in a coordinated manner.

Lukman noted that as of 17 March 2026 at 10:30 am Western Indonesian Time, two aircraft remain stranded in Indonesia—one each at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport—both operated by Qatar Airways.