Transport Ministry Denies International Flight Suspension Amid Middle East Conflict
The Indonesian Transport Ministry (Kemenhub) has refuted claims that the government has suspended all international flights due to the situation in the Middle East. Kemenhub confirmed that the report is inaccurate, noting that the media outlet in question has since clarified and retracted the story.
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi told journalists on Tuesday 17 March 2026: “We can confirm that this news is not true and the media in question has already issued a clarification and retracted the report.”
The Director General of Air Transportation at Kemenhub, Lukman F. Laisa, assured that the ministry continues to closely monitor developments in international flight operations affected by the evolving situation in the Middle East region, whilst ensuring passenger handling proceeds smoothly, safely, and in a coordinated manner.
As of 10:30 WIB on the afternoon of 17 March, Kemenhub reported that two aircraft remained stranded in Indonesia—one at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and one at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar—both operated by Qatar Airways.
“With the airspace of the United Arab Emirates gradually reopening, several airlines have begun operating flights on a limited basis. Emirates has implemented limited flights from and to Jakarta and Denpasar,” Lukman stated.
“However, operations were temporarily affected by a disruption to fuel farm facilities at Dubai Airport on 16 March 2026, which caused flight delays and schedule adjustments. Affected passengers continue to be accommodated, including through gradual transport of stranded passengers,” he added.
Etihad Airways has also commenced limited flight operations and is planning to increase flight frequency as part of contingency measures, particularly for routes between Jakarta and Denpasar to Abu Dhabi.
Qatar Airways began repatriation flights from 8 March 2026 and is gradually resuming limited flight services from Jakarta.
Lukman noted that assistance for affected passengers, including Umrah pilgrims, has been provided through refund mechanisms, flight rescheduling, and transfers to other airlines. As of 16 March 2026, no stranded passengers were reported in Jeddah being handled by Qatar Airways.
“On the other hand, several airlines operating 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 resumed normal operations and are ready to accommodate passenger travel needs,” Lukman said.
Kemenhub pledged continued coordination with all stakeholders, including civil aviation authorities, airport operators, and airlines, to ensure smooth flight operations and provide optimal protection and services to all passengers.
“The public is urged to continuously monitor official information from airlines and relevant authorities and to adjust their travel plans according to current developments,” it added.