JAKARTA: (Bernama) Garuda Indonesia has temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha, Qatar effective Saturday (Feb 28) until further notice, following the temporary closure of Qatar’s airspace amid escalating developments in the Middle East.
The airlines said the measure was taken as a precautionary step with the safety and security of passengers and crew as the airline’s priority.
It said all other international routes continue to operate as scheduled and do not transit the affected airspace.
"Garuda Indonesia will continue to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant aviation authorities,” it said in a statement on Sunday.
The airlines advised affected passengers to regularly check their flight status.
Meanwhile, PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) through its Soekarno-Hatta International Airport branch office confirmed several departure and arrival flights between Indonesia and the Middle East have been cancelled and delayed.
Its Acting Assistant Deputy of Communication and Legal Aziz Fahmi Harahap said airport authorities have provided handling for affected passengers in accordance with applicable procedures.
This, he said include the cancellation process of travel documents at the immigration area as well as coordination with the respective airlines for accommodation arrangements and flight rescheduling.
"In general, the situation at the terminal remains safe and conducive,” he said according to Antara News Agency on Sunday (March 1).
Aziz said flight operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport particularly for other international routes continue to operate safely and smoothly.
He added that coordination is being carried out with airlines, airport authorities and relevant agencies to anticipate operational dynamics and ensure that safety, security and service standards are maintained.
InJourney Airports advised passengers travelling to Middle East destinations to monitor flight information through official airline communication channels or contact the respective customer service centres for updates on departure status. - Bernama
