The Ministry of Transportation Emphasizes that International Flights are Not Suspended, Operations Still Limited
JAKARTA - The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) has confirmed that the news about the suspension of all international flights due to dynamics in the Middle East region is not true.
The government ensures that international flight operations continue, even if they are limited and adjusted to the current conditions.
Director General of Air Transportation Lukman F Laisa said his party continued to monitor the development of international flight operations and ensure that passenger handling was safe and coordinated.
"The news is not true. The Directorate General of Air Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation continues to intensively monitor the development of international flight operations affected by the dynamics of the situation in the Middle East region, as well as ensuring that passenger handling runs well, safely, and is coordinated," he said in a statement. official, Tuesday, March 17.
As of 10.30 WIB, there were still two planes with a stranded status in Indonesia, each at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Both planes are operated by Qatar Airways.
Along with the reopening of the airspace of the United Arab Emirates, a number of airlines have operated flights on a limited basis.
The Emirates airline, for example, has resumed flights to and from Jakarta and Denpasar, although it experienced disruptions due to problems with the fuel farm facilities at Dubai Airport on March 16, 2026.
"Handling of affected passengers continues, including the gradual transportation of stranded passengers," said Lukman.
Lukman said, the Etihad Airways airline also started operating limited flights and plans to increase the frequency, especially for the Jakarta and Denpasar routes to Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has been operating repatriation flights since March 8, 2026 and has gradually reopened services from Jakarta.
Handling of affected passengers, including umrah pilgrims, is carried out through refunds, rescheduling, to transfers to other airlines.
"As of March 16, 2026, there are no more stranded passengers in Jeddah handled by the airline," he said.
On the other hand, a number of airlines that serve direct flights to Saudi Arabia such as Saudi Arabian Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Flyadeal continue to operate normally and are not affected by the conflict.
"In addition, direct flights through third countries have also returned to normal and are ready to accommodate passenger travel needs," he said.
Lukman said the Directorate General of Air Transportation would continue to coordinate with all stakeholders, including civil aviation authorities, airport operators, and airlines, to ensure the smooth operation of flights and provide optimal protection and services to all passengers.
"The public is urged to always monitor official information from airlines and related authorities and adjust travel plans according to the latest developments," he explained.