RRI. CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has urged international airlines operating routes to or over the Middle East to heighten vigilance amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi delivered the appeal in Jakarta, Sunday 1 March 2026.

Dudy said several international flights passing through the Middle East have been affected by the conflict. “Some international flights transiting the Middle East have been impacted, with some canceled, while others remain unaffected,” he stated.

He called on airlines to increase caution and advised passengers to actively monitor flight information. “ We urge airlines to enhance vigilance and passengers to closely follow the latest updates,” Dudy conveyed.

Several foreign carriers have reportedly canceled or suspended operations to and from cities in the Middle East following the escalation. Affected airlines include Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, among others.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air, which operate flights through Middle Eastern airspace, have not been directly affected. Dudy noted that flights to Jeddah remain unaffected, while Garuda’s Amsterdam route has been rerouted via Cairo.

The minister emphasized that aviation safety and security remain the top priority. He said the Transportation Ministry continues to coordinate with Airnav Indonesia, airlines, airport operators, and foreign authorities to monitor the security situation.

Several countries have temporarily closed their airspace for arrivals and departures, both commercial and private. These include Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.

Dudy also instructed airlines and airport operators to provide assistance to affected passengers in accordance with procedures. “We have coordinated and asked airlines to monitor Middle Eastern airspace conditions, including for umrah travel,” he said, while ensuring that airport operations across Indonesia continue to run safely and smoothly.