Indonesia’s Lion Air Group has re-suspended all domestic and international flights just days after reinstating them, blaming passenger non-compliance with COVID-19 policies.
The company has suspended flights until further notice as of 5 June, saying that “many prospective passengers were unable to carry out air travel because they did not complete the required documents and conditions during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic alert period”.
This is the second time the Jakarta-based group – which includes Batik Air and Wings Air – has halted operations. The company first began a graded phase-in of short haul routes and several international flights on 10 May, which was tied to stringent health declaration policies common across the Indonesian civil sector.
Almost all non-essential air travel has been banned in Indonesia since 24 April. Prior to travelling, passengers are required to submit documents to local authorities to show:
- They are medically certified as free from COVID-19; and
- That their reason for travel falls within an exempted category (essential business, compassionate grounds, etc).
Lion Air stated that these policies were outlined by the country’s Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Health and COVID-19 Task Force, and are strictly enforced.
Accordingly, the company put a five-day pause on all operations between 27 and 31 May, to allow the airline to share these new boarding requirements.
However, after less than a week of operation, Lion Air Group has announced that all travel will be suspended until further notice, stating passengers were not complying with the rules.
“Many passengers had to cancel their trip because they could not show the required documents,” spokesman Danang Prihantono said on Tuesday.
This leaves a total of 138 Lion Air aircraft grounded and a further 140 Wings Air and Batik Air planes grounded for the foreseeable future.
Lion Air has stated that passengers with valid tickets will be able to seek a full refund or a date change, at no cost.
