Indonesia Urges Airlines to Heighten Vigilance Amid Middle East Escalation

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has called on airlines operating to or transiting through the Middle East to increase vigilance amid escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The minister said the ongoing conflict has disrupted several international flights crossing Middle Eastern airspace, with some services canceled and others operating on adjusted routes.

“We urge airlines to increase vigilance and passengers to actively monitor official updates,” Purwagandhi said on Sunday.

Several international 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.

However, two Indonesian carriers operating through Middle Eastern airspace — Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air — remain unaffected, according to the minister.

Flights operated by Garuda and Lion Air to Jeddah continue to run as scheduled. Meanwhile, Garuda’s Amsterdam service has been rerouted via Cairo, Egypt, as a precautionary measure.

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

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

With several countries in the region temporarily closing their airspace, airlines have been forced to revise flight paths. The ministry has instructed carriers to closely monitor airspace conditions, particularly for umrah travel routes.

Purwagandhi added that airlines and airport operators have been directed to assist affected passengers through rebooking services, accommodation arrangements and immigration processing support.

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