Indonesia does not ban Qatar Airways

Jakarta, InfoPublik – Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has stated that the Indonesian government does not ban Qatar Airways' flight in its airspace.

"There is no ban. Indonesian passengers who would use Qatar Airways for pilgrimage were transferred to other airlines," said Minister Budi after witnessing the signing of MoU between PT Whitesky Aviation and PT Angkasa Pura II in Cengkareng, Wednesday (6/7).

The transfer was done as the impact of diplomatic crisis between Qatar and Arab countries. Qatar Airways is banned from flying to the Arab countries. However, the airlines can still carry passengers from and to Indonesia.

"Qatar Airways is still able to serve flights to and from Indonesia and connecting flights through the third countries who did not have diplomatic problems with Qatar," he said.

Earlier, director general of air transportation Agus Santoso ensured that Indonesians pilgrims using air transportation from Qatar can still perform umrah (Islamic pilgrimage) to the Holy Land safely.

His office has been transferring the passengers to other airlines connecting to the Holy Land.

Agus also urged the pilgrims to remain calm and carry on the worship. He also asked the haj and umrah travel agency managers who use Qatar Airways to consult to his office for finding solutions. This policy will be enforced until the crisis ended and flights in the region resumed. (Translator: Filmon Warouw)