Indonesia Facilitates Return of 30 Citizens Stranded in Abu Dhabi

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has facilitated the return of 30 Indonesian nationals stranded in Abu Dhabi after regional airspace disruptions halted international flights, arranging a repatriation route to ensure they could continue their journey home.

The group departed from Abu Dhabi on an Etihad Airways flight bound for Singapore, where they were scheduled to take connecting flights onward to Indonesia.

The repatriation was coordinated by the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indonesian Consulate General in Dubai, which worked with airlines and local authorities to help affected Indonesian citizens secure available flights.

Indonesian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Judha Nugraha said the diplomatic missions had been actively assisting Indonesians affected by the disruption since late February.

“Since the closure of airspace on February 28, the Embassy and the Consulate General have continued to coordinate with airlines and local authorities so that affected Indonesian citizens can immediately obtain flights to continue their journey home,” Judha said on Thursday, March 5, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He emphasized that the protection and safety of Indonesian citizens remain a top priority for the government.

“We are ensuring that all affected Indonesian citizens receive the assistance and facilitation they need. The government is present to make sure they can safely and orderly continue their journey,” he said.

The Indonesian nationals were among passengers affected by temporary airspace closures in parts of the Middle East, which disrupted international aviation routes and forced airlines to cancel or delay flights.

The restrictions caused significant disruptions at major regional transit hubs such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha, leaving many international travelers stranded.

As conditions gradually improved and limited flight corridors reopened, airlines in the United Arab Emirates began operating special and repatriation flights to help stranded passengers continue their travel.

Indonesian diplomatic missions earlier identified dozens of Indonesian citizens affected by the cancellations and have continued coordinating with airlines to secure available seats.

Currently, flight routes in the UAE remain limited and operate on a rotating basis, while normal commercial flight schedules have not yet fully resumed. The available routes are primarily used for repatriation and special flights aimed at mobilizing around 20,000 travelers who had been stranded in the UAE.

The Embassy and the Consulate General continue to provide consular assistance and travel coordination for Indonesian citizens affected by the disruptions.

Authorities are also monitoring the evolving security situation in the region while urging Indonesian citizens who need assistance to contact the embassy through its official communication channels. ***