Indonesia: 23 Citizens Stranded at Abu Dhabi Airport Are Safe

5 hours ago 7

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A total of 23 Indonesian citizens stranded at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East have been evacuated and moved to temporary accommodation, Indonesian officials said on Monday.

“They have all been successfully evacuated from the airport and are now staying at several hotels in Abu Dhabi,” Indonesia’s Ambassador to the UAE, Judha Nugraha, said in a statement, as quoted by Antara.

The Indonesians, most of them transit passengers, had been stranded after airlines suspended flights following airspace closures in parts of the region. Several were returning from Saudi Arabia after completing the Umrah pilgrimage.

Flights Disrupted by Regional Conflict

The disruption comes as military tensions have escalated since late February 2026, when the United States and Israel launched air strikes on multiple targets in Iran.

Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks that reportedly extended to several Gulf states, including the UAE.

Authorities in the UAE temporarily closed parts of their airspace and suspended international flights amid security concerns. Explosions were reported in areas including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, disrupting civil aviation and transportation infrastructure.

Ambassador Judha said the 23 Indonesians were initially unable to leave the airport due to operational disruptions and heightened security restrictions inside the terminal.

Following coordination between the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, local authorities, and airlines, the group was provided consular assistance and safely relocated.

“All Indonesian citizens are safe and have received assistance from Indonesian government representatives in Abu Dhabi. We continue to monitor the situation and ensure their rights and safety are protected,” he said.

Airline Suspensions

Iran reportedly launched hundreds of drones and missiles, most of which were intercepted by UAE air defense systems. However, falling debris from intercepted projectiles caused damage and civilian casualties, according to regional reports.

The conflict has affected several international carriers. Etihad Airways, owned by the Abu Dhabi government, temporarily suspended flights to and from the UAE until at least March 4, 2026.

The Indonesian government, through its embassy, has urged Indonesians in the Persian Gulf region to remain vigilant, report their whereabouts through official channels, and follow local security advisories during the ongoing crisis.

Read: Global Oil Could Hit US$100 per Barrel as Middle East Tensions Escalate

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