The impact of forest and land fire (karhutla) smoke on flights in Indonesia is becoming more widespread. The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) recorded that as many as 2,458 scheduled domestic flights were affected by smog during the period from August 11 to October 17, 2026.
Data announced on Sunday, October 18, 2026, showed that the disruptions were not limited to delays. A number of flights also experienced cancellations or postponements, diversions to other airports, and returns to the departure airport.
Nevertheless, the impact of the fires does not mean that all airports in Indonesia are experiencing disruptions. Operational conditions depend on visibility, smoke distribution direction, weather, and flight safety requirements at each location.
Ministry of Transportation Records 2,458 Flights Affected by Fire Smoke
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Transportation stated that the number of domestic flights affected by the fires reached 2,458 as of October 17, 2026. This figure increased by 437 flights compared to the position on October 13, 2026, which recorded 2,021 affected flights.
Here are the details of the types of flight disruptions based on Ministry of Transportation data:
| Type of Disruption | Number of Flights |
|---|---|
| Delay | 1,080 |
| Cancelled or postponed | 1,324 |
| Diverted to another airport (divert) | 22 |
| Return to departure airport (return to base/RTB) | 6 |
| Schedule advanced (advance) | 26 |
| Total | 2,458 |
This figure is an accumulation from August 11 to October 17, 2026, not the number of disruptions that occurred only on October 18. The details also include several types of operational changes, meaning not all flights in the data have a cancelled status.
Regions and Airports Reported Affected
According to the Ministry of Transportation, during October 13–17, 2026, the impact of the smog spread to a number of regions in Sulawesi, Maluku, and North Maluku. Disruptions were also reported in Kalimantan, Papua, and Sumatra.
Several airports mentioned in reports regarding the impact of the fires include:
- Central Sulawesi: Mutiara SIS Al-Jufrie Airport in Palu, Maleo Airport in Morowali, Syukuran Aminuddin Amir Airport in Luwuk, and Sultan Bantilan Airport in Tolitoli.
- Southeast Sulawesi: Sangia Nibandera Airport in Kolaka and Betoambari Airport in Baubau.
- South Sulawesi: Toraja Airport in Tana Toraja Regency.
- North Maluku: Sultan Babullah Airport in Ternate and Oesman Sadik Airport in Labuha.
- Maluku: Pattimura Airport in Ambon and Karel Sadsuitubun Airport in Langgur.
- Central Papua: Mozes Kilangin Airport in Timika and Douw Aturure Airport in Nabire.
- Highland Papua: Wamena Airport.
- Southwest Papua: Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong.
This list is an example of airports mentioned in the fire impact reports, not a complete list of all affected airports. Conditions at each airport can change following the development of smoke and visibility.
Soekarno-Hatta and Sentani Airports Experience Disruptions
Disruptions due to fire smoke were also reported at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten. On Saturday, October 17, 2026, airport management recorded two flights to and from Soekarno-Hatta cancelled due to visibility issues related to fire smoke in a number of regions.
Meanwhile, at Sentani International Airport in Jayapura Regency, Papua, as many as 19 flight schedules were postponed based on data up to Friday, October 16, 2026, at 17.30 WIT. Affected flights included destinations to Wamena and Oksibil, operated by Trigana Air and Wings Air.
This data applies to the respective reporting times. Passengers need to check the latest information from airlines or airport management to find out if their flight schedules are still experiencing changes.
Not All Airports Experience Disruptions
Fire smoke can move following wind patterns and atmospheric conditions. Therefore, the presence of smoke in an area does not automatically cause all flights from airports in that region to be cancelled.
For example, the management of Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport in Aceh stated on Saturday, October 17, 2026, that visibility was still safe and airport operations had not been affected by smog carried over from other regions.
These differing conditions show that operational decisions are determined based on the actual situation at each airport, including visibility and safety requirements for take-off and landing.
Why Can Fire Smoke Disrupt Flights?
Smog can reduce visibility around airports and flight paths. When visibility does not meet operational minimum limits, landing and take-off processes potentially cannot be carried out safely.
Under these conditions, airlines and operational officers can make adjustments such as delaying departures, cancelling flights, diverting aircraft to other airports, or returning aircraft to their origin airports.
Such decisions are part of safety procedures. Therefore, passengers need to follow official information and not rely solely on the initial schedule listed when tickets were purchased.
How to Check Flight Status Before Heading to the Airport
Passengers with travel schedules during the smog period are advised to check their flight status regularly. Here are the steps that can be taken:
- Check the airline's official app or website. Enter the flight number or travel details to find out the latest status.
- Monitor the airport's official website or channels. Check departure, arrival, and operational notification information if available.
- Ensure the flight number and travel date. Affected schedules may vary by route and departure time.
- Check messages from the airline. Monitor SMS, email, or app notifications regarding delays, cancellations, and schedule changes.
- Contact airline customer service if information is unclear. Ask about rescheduling, diversion, or refund options according to applicable rules.
- Do not depart based on old information alone. Recheck flight status close to departure time before heading to the airport.
Passenger Rights If Flights Are Cancelled
If a flight experiences cancellation or delay, passengers should request an official explanation from the airline regarding the cause of the disruption and available handling options.
The Ministry of Transportation previously emphasized that airlines are obliged to fulfill passenger rights in accordance with statutory regulations. Handling may include compensation, rescheduling, or ticket refunds, depending on conditions and applicable rules.
Passengers are advised to keep tickets, proof of payment, schedule change notifications, and communication with airlines if needed for service application or complaint processes.
Latest Developments on the Impact of Fires on Flights
Up to the report announced on October 18, 2026, the Ministry of Transportation recorded 2,458 domestic flights affected by fires during the period from August 11 to October 17, 2026. Disruptions included delays, cancellations or postponements, diversions to other airports, returns to origin airports, and schedule changes to earlier times.
Although disruptions spread to a number of regions, not all airports experienced the same conditions. Passengers need to check flight status through official airline and airport channels because visibility conditions can change at any time.
Information sources: Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Transportation, BMKG, and ANTARA reports regarding conditions at Soekarno-Hatta, Sentani, and Sultan Iskandar Muda Airports.