TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State airport operator Angkasa Pura II (AP II) confirmed that the full suspension of international flights at Soekarno-Hatta Airport due to the coronavirus outbreak is only imposed on flights from and to China.

"Other international routes, either with national or international airliners, at Soekarno-Hatta operate normally," said AP II CEO Muhammad Awaluddin in a written statement Saturday, March 7.

The flight suspension was commenced from February 5 until undetermined time to prevent the spread of coronavirus to Indonesia. The government is still allowing flights from and to South Korea, Iran, and Italy.

According to Awaluddin, based on the government policy, starting on March 8, travelers that are banned to enter and transit in Indonesia are those who were within the last 14 days have traveled to Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do in South Korea before coming to Indonesia.

"Those who didn’t travel to the two regions should have a valid health certificate issued by South Korean authorities in order to be able to enter or transit in Indonesia,” he said.

Jakarta-Seoul route is operated by Garuda Indonesia and Asiana Airlines at Soekarno-Hatta. Previously, Korean Airlines also served Jakarta - Seoul route but starting this month, it is suspended due to the COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Awaluddin went on, the government is still allowing flights from and to Italy and Iran, even though there is no direct flight from and to the two countries. However, those who have traveled to Iran’s Tehran, Qom, and Gilan, as well as to Italy cities of Lombardi, Veneto, Emilian, Romagna, Marche and Piedmont, within the last 14 days before arriving in Indonesia are not allowed to enter or transit in Indonesia.

World Health Organization (WHO) previously reported that there is a significant increase of coronavirus cases in South Korea, Iran, and Italy.

Angkasa Pura II reassured that international connectivity at Soekarno-Hatta Airport is still ongoing despite a decrease in flight frequency. Other international routes such as flights from and to countries in the Middle East, West Asia, and Europe, still operate normally.

Joniansyah