Indonesia calls for passenger support after Riyadh airport closure
Airlines were urged to provide timely updates and assistance, while Garuda Indonesia and Saudia Airlines continue direct services between the two countries.
Airlines should protect passengers’ rights following the closure of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, Indonesian Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said in Jakarta on October 17. His comments followed an attack on the airport for which the Houthis claimed responsibility.
Purwagandhi called for compliance with minimum passenger service standards set out in a 2021 ministerial regulation. With delays possible, he urged carriers to keep travellers informed and provide food, drinks and accommodation where needed.
He said priority should go to people with disabilities, children travelling without an accompanying adult, pregnant women and other passengers needing additional help. Travellers should contact their airlines about applicable refund arrangements, he added.
Qatar Airways cancelled Doha–Riyadh flights for October 9–17 and redirected passengers to other Saudi destinations. Emirates also suspended services to Riyadh, while Garuda Indonesia and Saudia Airlines continue direct flights linking Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
The minister emphasised flight safety and adherence to directions from aviation and airport authorities and air traffic control. Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry said it would keep monitoring updates from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation to assess effects on international services, especially transit connections serving Indonesia.
