Transportation Minister Urges Caution for Flights Crossing Middle East

Jakarta: Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has urged airlines operating to or transiting through the Middle East to heighten vigilance amid escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

He said the conflict has disrupted several international flights crossing Middle Eastern airspace, with some services canceled and others continuing under adjusted routes.

“We urge airlines to increase vigilance and passengers to actively monitor official updates,” he said on Sunday, as quoted from Antara, Monday 2 March 2026.

Several foreign carriers have suspended or canceled flights to and from cities in the region following the escalation, including Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, IndiGo, SriLankan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Scoot.

Two Indonesian carriers operating through Middle Eastern airspace — Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air — remain unaffected, he added.

Garuda and Lion Air flights to Jeddah continue to operate normally, while Garuda’s Amsterdam service has been rerouted via Cairo, Egypt.

“Flight safety and security remain our top priority,” Purwagandhi stressed.

The Transportation Ministry is coordinating with AirNav Indonesia, airlines, airport operators, and foreign aviation authorities to monitor developments and ensure safe operations.

Several countries in the region have temporarily closed their airspace, prompting airlines to adjust routes. The ministry has instructed carriers to closely monitor airspace conditions, including for umrah travel.

Purwagandhi said airlines and airport operators have also been directed to assist affected passengers through rebooking, accommodation arrangements, and immigration processing.

He assured that international flight operations at Indonesian airports continue to run safely and smoothly.