Kalimantan forest fires disrupt hundreds of flights and cause airport losses

Forest and land fires (Karhutla) in Kalimantan have caused significant disruptions to aviation operations due to thick haze and reduced visibility. Between September 14 and 20, 2026, the Ministry of Transportation reported that 409 flights were affected within the Balikpapan Airport Authority Region VII, including 141 delays, 254 cancellations or postponements, and 14 diversions.

Central Kalimantan experienced the highest impact with 201 affected flights, followed by East Kalimantan with 138 and North Kalimantan with 70. In some areas, visibility dropped as low as 50 meters at airports such as Tjilik Riwut, Iskandar, and Haji Muhammad Sidik.

At Tjilik Riwut Airport in Palangka Raya, PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia estimates losses exceeding Rp1 billion due to the lack of take-offs and landings over the past month. While flight operations are suspended for safety reasons, airport staff remain on duty to maintain facilities and assist passengers.