US and Israel Attack Iran, Multiple Middle Eastern Flights from Soetta Delayed
Escalation of tensions in the Middle East following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran has directly impacted international flight operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Soetta) in Tangerang, Banten.
A number of airlines operating services to the Middle East have been forced to cancel or delay departures due to airspace closures (airspace closed) in the conflict region.
Soekarno-Hatta Airport management confirmed that airspace closures in several Middle Eastern countries have disrupted flight routes to Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Doha (Qatar), and Dubai (UAE).
List of Affected Flights
Based on operational data, several major airlines affected include:
Etihad Airways: EY472 (destination Abu Dhabi), EY475 (destination Abu Dhabi), and EY473 (destination Abu Dhabi).
Qatar Airways: QR954 (destination Doha) and QR957 (destination Doha).
Emirates: EK357 (destination Dubai).
Garuda Indonesia: GA900 (destination Doha).
In addition to departures, incoming flights from the region have also been cancelled, namely Etihad Airways EY472 on the Abu Dhabi-Jakarta route and Qatar Airways QR954 on the Doha-Jakarta route.
Terminal Conditions and Passenger Handling
Despite the sudden cancellation of international routes, Acting Assistant Deputy Communication and Legal Officer of Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Aziz Fahmi Harahap, ensured that conditions in the terminal remain conducive and airport operations generally run smoothly.
“Handling of affected passengers is carried out in accordance with applicable procedures, including the cancellation process for travel documents in the immigration area and coordination with relevant airlines regarding accommodation arrangements and flight rescheduling,” said Aziz in an official statement received by CNNIndonesia.com on Sunday (1 March) in the early hours of Western Indonesian Time.
Aziz added that airport management continues to conduct intensive coordination with airlines, airport authorities, and relevant agencies to monitor operational dynamics in order to maintain passenger safety and security standards.
Advisory for Prospective Passengers
Airport management advised prospective passengers, particularly those scheduled to fly to the Middle East, to actively monitor their flight status on an ongoing basis.
“We urge passengers to actively monitor information through official channels of their respective airlines or contact customer service in order to obtain the latest information regarding departure status,” he concluded.
To date, airport management continues to conduct regular monitoring across all international terminals to respond to any potential operational challenges arising from the still-dynamic geopolitical situation.