Wildfires across parts of Kalimantan have disrupted hundreds of flights as smoke and sharply reduced visibility affect airport operations.

Indonesia's Transportation Ministry recorded 409 affected flights between September 14 and 20, 2026, across the jurisdiction of the Airport Authority Office Region VII in Balikpapan. The ministry said flight safety remains the primary consideration in operational decisions.

409 Flights Affected in One Week

Of the 409 affected flights: 141 were delayed - 254 were canceled or postponed - 14 were diverted

The figure was significantly higher than the 159 flights affected during September 7-13, indicating that the disruption intensified during the following week.

Central Kalimantan Recorded the Largest Impact

Central Kalimantan accounted for the largest number of affected flights, with 201 operations disrupted.

These included 79 delays, 121 cancellations or postponements and 1 diversion.

East Kalimantan recorded another 138 affected flights, while North Kalimantan recorded 70.

Visibility Fell to Extremely Low Levels

The main operational problem has been reduced visibility caused by wildfire smoke.

According to the Transportation Ministry, visibility fell to as little as 50 meters at several airports, including Tjilik Riwut, Iskandar, Haji Muhammad Sidik and A.P.T. Pranoto.

When visibility falls below the minimum required for safe aircraft operations, airlines can be required to delay, cancel or divert flights.

Firefighting Efforts Continue

Authorities are continuing efforts to control the forest and land fires contributing to the haze.

The Transportation Ministry is coordinating with airport operators, air-navigation service providers and other agencies involved in firefighting, including aerial patrols and water-bombing operations.

The government is also using weather-modification operations to increase the possibility of rainfall in affected areas.

On September 24, BNPB said it had deployed three Cessna Caravan aircraft to support weather-modification operations over Central and South Kalimantan.

Hotspot Conditions Vary Across Kalimantan

The fire situation is not uniform across the island.

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry said on September 24 that hotspot numbers had declined in several provinces while Central Kalimantan was recording an increase.

Central Kalimantan's reported hotspot count increased from 643 to 673, according to the ministry.

The variation means aviation conditions can differ substantially between airports and provinces.

Passenger Rights During Disruptions

The Transportation Ministry said airlines remain responsible for providing services and fulfilling passenger rights under applicable regulations when flights are delayed or canceled.

Depending on the circumstances, passenger rights may include rescheduling, compensation or a full ticket refund.

Travelers affected by disruptions should check directly with their airline to confirm the status of their booking and the options available under the applicable rules.

What Travelers Should Know

Passengers flying to or within Kalimantan should check their flight status before leaving for the airport, particularly when wildfire haze is affecting the region.

A flight shown as scheduled can still be delayed, postponed, canceled or diverted if visibility deteriorates.

Editorial Takeaway

The latest disruption demonstrates how wildfire smoke can become an aviation problem as well as an environmental one.

According to Indonesia's Transportation Ministry, 409 flights were affected between September 14 and 20, with Central Kalimantan experiencing the largest impact. Visibility at several airports fell to around 50 meters, making operational decisions dependent on aviation-safety requirements.

For travelers exploring Indonesia's more remote destinations, aviation connectivity can be especially important because alternative transportation options may be limited.

Travelers flying through affected parts of Kalimantan should therefore rely on current airline and airport updates, rather than assuming that a published schedule guarantees departure.