Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Kite flying activities has disrupts flights operations at Indonesia’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport between July 4 and 6, 2025, affecting a total of 21 aircraft, according to AirNav Indonesia, the country’s air navigation service provider.
The incidents prompted AirNav to issue a stern public warning, urging residents to stop flying kites near the airport, especially in areas along the aircraft takeoff and landing paths.
“We deeply regret that people continue to ignore warnings and still fly kites in the vicinity of the airport, putting flight safety at risk,” said Avirianto Suratno, President Director of AirNav Indonesia, in an official statement on Monday (July 7).
Due to the potential threat to aviation safety, AirNav issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to alert pilots about the kite-related hazards near Soekarno-Hatta. The NOTAM, identified as A1912/25, cautioned that all incoming and outgoing flights at the airport may face delays.
“The reason for issuing the NOTAM was the presence of kite activity in the final approach area, which poses a serious safety risk to aircraft during takeoff and landing,” Avirianto explained.
Following the issuance of a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) warning about kite activity near Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) were forced to divert nine incoming flights to alternative airports.
In addition, six aircraft were instructed to execute go-arounds, aborting their landing and circling back. Meanwhile five more were ordered to cancel their approach procedures entirely. One aircraft was directed to return to its point of origin.
“We sincerely apologize to all passengers affected by these ATC decisions,” Avirianto said in an official statement. “Our officers acted with only one priority in mind: safety. There was no other reason.”
Avirianto reiterated a strong appeal to the public, especially residents living near the airport, to stop flying kites in the vicinity, emphasizing that the activity poses a serious danger to both aircraft and human lives.
“Flying kites in these areas is extremely hazardous and poses a direct threat to the safety of flights and the lives of passengers on board,” he warned.
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In response to the recent kite-related disruptions at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, AirNav Indonesia is ramping up coordination with key stakeholders to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The agency is actively working with the Airport Authority for Region I, Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police, PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia, and other relevant parties to implement mitigation measures.
These include activating the Ground Delay Program (GDP) and Pre-Departure Clearance (PDC) procedures to better manage air traffic flow during potential disturbances.
“Once again, we urge the public: for the sake of aviation safety, please stop flying kites near airports,” said AirNav President Director Avirianto Suratno. “Let’s work together to ensure Indonesia’s skies remain safe and clear for all air travel.”
(Raidi/Agung)
