Transport Minister Urges National Airlines to Remain Alert Over US-Israel-Iran Conflict
Jakarta — Indonesia’s Minister of Transport, Dudy Purwagandhi, has called upon airlines operating international routes to or transiting the Middle East to heighten their vigilance following escalating tensions between Iran, Israel and its ally, the United States.
Purwagandhi stated that several airline operators have been reported as affected by the conflict in the Middle East region. Some international flights transiting the Middle East have been impacted, with several cancelled, though certain services remain unaffected thus far.
“To that end, we urge airlines to increase their vigilance and passengers to actively monitor information developments,” the Transport Minister said in Jakarta on Sunday.
Foreign airlines have been reported to have cancelled flights and suspended operations from and to all cities in the Middle East since the escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel occurred.
Airlines that have suspended or ceased operations 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 several destination cities in the Middle East, Oman Air operates normally, and Ethiopian Airlines continues to operate as usual but does not service flights to Amman (Jordan) and Tel Aviv (Israel).
Meanwhile, the minister stated that two domestic airlines transiting Middle Eastern airspace—Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air—remain currently unaffected by the conflict.
Purwagandhi noted that Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air flights to Jeddah remain unaffected, whilst Garuda Indonesia flights to Amsterdam have been rerouted via Cairo (Egypt).
“Aviation safety and security aspects remain our paramount priority,” Dudy emphasised.
The Ministry of Transport continues to coordinate with Airnav Indonesia, airlines, airport operators and foreign authorities to update security information regarding Middle East airspace and ensure flights remain safe and efficient.
Several countries have closed their airspace to all arrivals and departures, including both commercial and private flights. These countries include Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Syria.
“We have coordinated and requested that airlines monitor Middle Eastern airspace conditions, including for pilgrim flights,” he said.
Purwagandhi stated that, given the various flight cancellations and adjustments, he has requested that airlines and airport operators provide assistance to affected passengers in accordance with applicable procedures.
This also includes the cancellation of travel documents at immigration checkpoints, accommodation arrangements and flight rescheduling.
The Transport Minister also ensured that flight operations across all Indonesian airports, particularly for international routes, continue to operate safely, smoothly and optimally, both during passenger departure and arrival processes.