TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Low-cost carrier AirAsia temporarily stops all of its flights, including domestic and international flights, starting on April 1, following the extension of coronavirus or Covid-19 emergency period.

The domestic flights will be halted until April 21 and the international ones until May 17.
"The affected passengers will get notification via email and SMS," said secretary of AirAsia Indonesia Baskoro Adiwiyono in a written statement Saturday, March 28.

Passengers affected by the pandemic are able to reschedule flights for free and also eligible to credit accounts. Their canceled flights converted into credits that can be used for purchases. The credit is valid for a period of 1 year (365 days).

Passengers are advised to monitor the latest information on its official website or social media. "AirAsia Indonesia will keep on monitoring the development of the situation and conduct anticipative measures," Baskoro said.

CEO of airport operator Angkasa Pura I (AP I) Faik Fahmi confirmed that a number of airlines have limited its operation since the outbreak of coronavirus. From January to March 2020, AP I recorded 18,300 flights cancellation.

"Averagely, [flight] frequency is reduced. The departures are decreased, [and] the arrivals are even worse," he added.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA