Politics · Indonesia · 1 hr ago
Indonesia wildfire smoke disrupts 1,673 domestic flights
Smoke from forest and land fires has reduced visibility at airports in parts of Indonesia.
From Aug.
11 to Oct.
9, 2026, it affected 1,673 scheduled domestic flights: 745 were delayed, 907 cancelled or postponed, 15 diverted and six returned to their departure airports.
The disruption was greatest at airports in Kalimantan, with impacts also reported in Sumatra and Papua.
Another 14 flights were cancelled during the same period for other reasons, including volcanic ash, strong winds and aircraft maintenance.
Indonesia’s aviation authorities say safety comes first, so flights may be delayed, cancelled or rerouted when visibility falls below operating limits.
Airlines must provide affected passengers with applicable compensation, rebooking or a full ticket refund, and airport authorities are tasked with checking that they do so.
The aviation authority says it will continue monitoring the fires and flight operations, and advises travellers to check updates from their airline or airport before leaving.
Indonesia’s transport ministry said wildfire smoke affected 1,673 scheduled domestic flights between August 11 and October 9, 2026.
The smoke reduced visibility at airports and led to delays, cancellations or postponements, diversions, and returns to departure airports.
Of the affected flights, 745 were delayed, 907 cancelled or postponed, 15 diverted, and six returned to their departure airport.
The ministry said the most significant effects were at airports in Kalimantan, with further disruption in Sumatra and Papua.
Officials said airlines must provide affected passengers with assistance such as compensation, rebooking, or full ticket refunds.
- Who
- Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation said 10 airlines had domestic flights affected by wildfire smoke.
- What
- Smoke disrupted 1,673 scheduled domestic flights, causing delays, cancellations or postponements, diversions, and returns to departure airports.
- When
- August 11 to October 9, 2026.
- Where
- Airports in Indonesia, with the greatest impact in Kalimantan and further effects in Sumatra and Papua.
- Why
- Wildfire smoke reduced visibility at some airports, affecting flight operations and safety.
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Wildfire smoke affected 1,673 scheduled domestic flights in Indonesia.
CNBC Indonesia reported the ministry’s flight disruption figures and its safety measures.
Detik reported the figures and said airlines must meet affected passengers’ rights.
- Affected flights
- 1,673 scheduled domestic flights
- Reporting period
- August 11–October 9, 2026
- Delays
- 745 flights
- Cancelled or postponed
- 907 flights
- Diversions and returns
- 15 diverted; 6 returned to departure airports
- Airlines involved
- 10 airlines
Sources
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