Indonesia asks airlines to support passengers after Riyadh airport shutdown

In Jakarta, the transport minister appealed to airlines to properly manage passengers disrupted by the recent attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. He cited a 2021 ministerial rule that sets minimum service standards for air travelers and stressed the need for clear communication, refreshments, and lodging when delays occur. Qatar Airways halted Doha-Riyadh flights from Oct. 9 to 17 and rerouted passengers, and Emirates also suspended its Riyadh services.

Garuda Indonesia and Saudia Airlines kept their direct routes between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia operating. The minister urged airlines to give priority to passengers with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, pregnant women, and others requiring special help, and to coordinate refund options. Indonesia's Transportation Ministry will keep monitoring updates from Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation to gauge the impact on international and transit flights.