Antara News·Indonesia·Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 04:39 AM UTC

Indonesia urges airlines to aid passengers amid Riyadh closure

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M. Harianto, Tegar Nurfitra

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi urged airlines to uphold the rights of passengers affected by the closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, amid escalating security concerns.

"We have appealed to airlines to properly manage passengers affected by disrupted flight operations," he noted in Jakarta on Saturday (Oct. 17) in response to the recent attack targeting the airport.

Purwagandhi stressed the importance of complying with a 2021 ministerial regulation on minimum service standards for air transport passengers.

"The safety and security of flights are top priorities, including compliance with instructions from airport authorities, aviation regulators, and air traffic control," he remarked.

Several international airlines have adjusted their operations in response to the security situation. Qatar Airways canceled flights between Doha and Riyadh from Oct. 9 to 17 and redirected passengers to alternative destinations in Saudi Arabia. Emirates has also suspended its Riyadh services.

Meanwhile, Garuda Indonesia and Saudia Airlines continue to operate direct flights between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

The minister noted the possibility of flight delays and urged airlines to provide passengers with timely information and appropriate assistance while they wait, including meals, refreshments, and accommodation when necessary.

He also underlined the importance of prioritizing passengers with disabilities, unaccompanied children, pregnant women, and others requiring special assistance.

Furthermore, he advised passengers to coordinate with their airlines regarding applicable refund arrangements.

Indonesia's Transportation Ministry assured the public that it would continue monitoring information from Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to assess the impact of the security situation on international flight operations, particularly transit flights connected to Indonesia.

The statement came in response to escalating security concerns after the Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport.

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