Widespread haze from forest fires disrupts over two thousand flights across Indonesia
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation reported that haze from ongoing forest fires has affected 2,458 flights nationwide, with many delays and cancellations.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, haze from forest fires has disrupted 2,458 flights across Indonesia, up from 2,021 flights earlier in the week. The disruptions include 1,080 delayed flights, 1,324 cancellations or postponements, 22 diversions, six returns to base and 26 schedule advances. The reduced visibility now covers airports in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Papua, Sulawesi, Maluku and North Maluku, affecting a total of 26 airports.
Fourteen international flights were cancelled, notably the Singapore-Pontianak and Singapore-Palembang routes, and 22 subsidised pioneer and cargo flights were also impacted. Additional cancellations involved 20 domestic flights due to volcanic ash, weather and technical issues. Authorities have ordered Low Visibility Procedures, issued NOTAMs and are supporting firefighting aircraft, while urging passengers to check airline updates.
Why it matters
Travelers face widespread delays and cancellations as haze hampers visibility at dozens of Indonesian airports.
How this story developed
- Sep 28 Civil groups sue Indonesian government over West Kalimantan fire negligence
- Oct 1 President Prabowo Subianto has named Arrmanatha Nasir, known as Tata, to replace Sugiono as foreign minister amid a broader cabinet reshuffle.
- Oct 4 Arrmanatha Nasir was sworn in as foreign minister.
- Oct 8 Prime Minister Anwar said the worsening haze is a serious health risk and has asked President Prabowo to take action, while Malaysia ramps up cloud seeding.
- Oct 10 The class‑action suit moved to a hearing in Pontianak, where no defendants were present.
- Oct 15 The government, led by Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu, is gathering evidence and keeping legal options open as PSI levels in western Singapore entered the very unhealthy range. The 2014 law allows fines up to S$100,000 per day, capped at S$2 million, for companies whose fires produce prolonged haze. Enforcement has been challenging, with limited data from Indonesian authorities and four firms still under investigation. Fu also urged Indonesia to curb the fires and called for ASEAN cooperation.
- Oct 16 President Prabowo appointed army general Kristomei Sianturi to lead BNPB.
- Oct 16 Indonesia formally accepted regional assistance and technical talks on its implementation are underway.
- Oct 16 Legal notices were served on seven Indonesian firms for their role in the haze.
- Oct 19 Student Alliance of Gadjah Mada University addressed ASEAN Secretary‑General urging scrutiny of Indonesia’s compliance and acceptance of regional firefighting support.
- Oct 19 Malaysia specified that it will provide three helicopters and 52 firefighters to support Indonesia’s fire‑fighting efforts.
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