Antara News·Indonesia·Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 03:21 AM

Wildfires disrupt 409 flights in Kalimantan, safety priority: RI Govt

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Harianto, Kenzu

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry said flight safety remains the top priority as wildfires reduce visibility in Kalimantan, disrupting hundreds of flights across the region.

“Flight safety remains the top priority,” Director General of Air Transportation Lukman F. Laisa said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The Directorate General of Air Transportation continues to monitor and coordinate with aviation stakeholders over the fires’ impact on flight safety and operations across Kalimantan.

Laisa said smoke from the fires can reduce visibility around airports, disrupting flight operations.

“Under these conditions, safety remains the main consideration in every operational flight decision,” he said.

From Sept. 14-20, 2026, a total of 409 flights were affected within the jurisdiction of the Airport Authority Office Region VII in Balikpapan.

Of those, 141 flights were delayed, 254 were canceled or postponed, and 14 were diverted.

The number of affected flights rose from 159 during Sept. 7-13, partly due to reduced visibility caused by wildfire smoke.

Central Kalimantan recorded the largest impact, with 201 affected flights, including 79 delays, 121 cancellations or postponements, and one diversion.

East Kalimantan recorded 138 affected flights, including 48 delays, 77 cancellations or postponements, and 13 diversions.

North Kalimantan recorded 70 affected flights, comprising 14 delays and 56 cancellations or postponements.

Visibility fell to as low as 50 meters at several airports, including Tjilik Riwut, Iskandar, Haji Muhammad Sidik and A.P.T. Pranoto.

The Directorate General of Air Transportation is also coordinating with relevant agencies on forest and land fire response, including aerial patrols and water bombing.

The firefighting operations are coordinated with airport operators and air navigation service providers to help maintain flight safety.

Airlines must provide services and fulfill passenger rights under prevailing laws and regulations when flights are delayed or canceled.

Passenger rights may include compensation, rescheduling or a full ticket refund, depending on applicable conditions and regulations.

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