Indonesia Travels during Middle East Conflict (2026 Travel Guide)

Travel between Europe and Indonesia has recently become more complicated due to temporary aviation disruptions across parts of the Gulf region. Several countries have restricted or closed their airspace, which has forced airlines to cancel or reroute flights that traditionally pass through major Middle Eastern hubs such as Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

Because Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended scheduled operations while Qatari airspace remains closed, travellers who would normally connect through Hamad International Airport in Doha are currently looking for alternative routes.
Under normal circumstances, many Europe–Asia journeys rely on major Gulf hubs served by airlines such as Emirates via Dubai International Airport, Etihad Airways via Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, and Qatar Airways via Doha.

With parts of the region experiencing temporary airspace disruptions, travellers heading to Indonesia are increasingly considering alternative routings through Southeast or East Asia until normal flight operations across the Gulf fully resume.

Fortunately, reaching Bali and other destinations in Indonesia remains entirely possible. The most dependable strategy at the moment is avoiding Gulf hubs altogether and travelling through Southeast or East Asia instead. Below are the most practical flight routes from Europe to Bali right now.

Why Flights Through the Middle East Are Currently Disrupted

The current aviation disruption is mainly caused by temporary airspace closures across parts of the Gulf, including Qatar. Airlines that usually operate connecting flights through the region have been forced to either suspend services or reroute flights around restricted airspace. Because of this situation, many travellers are choosing airlines and routes that completely bypass the Middle East until normal operations resume.

Best Routes from Europe to Bali Right Now

1. VIA SINGAPORE | THE MOST STABLE OPTION

Singapore remains one of the most reliable global aviation hubs and has not been affected by the current Gulf airspace restrictions.

Airlines operating this route

Singapore Airlines
Lufthansa (to Singapore, then connect onward)
KLM or Air France via partner connections
Scoot and regional carriers onward to Indonesia

Typical routing
Europe → Singapore → Indonesia
Example itinerary:
Brussels / Frankfurt / Amsterdam → Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Singapore → Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) or Jakarta Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK)
Singapore offers frequent flights to Bali, making connections smooth and convenient.

2. VIA KUALA LUMPUR | ANOTHER STRONG SOUTHEAST ASIAN HUB

Kuala Lumpur is another excellent hub for travellers heading to Indonesia.

Airlines operating this route
Malaysia Airlines
Lufthansa or KLM via partner connections
Regional carriers such as AirAsia and Batik Air
Typical routing
Europe → Kuala Lumpur → Indonesia
Example itinerary:
Europe → Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Kuala Lumpur → Bali / Jakarta / Surabaya
Both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore are among the most important international gateways into Indonesia.

3. VIA ISTANBUL | A CONVENIENT ONE-STOP ALTERNATIVE

Travelling via Istanbul is another efficient way to reach Indonesia while avoiding Gulf airspace.

Airline operating this route
Turkish Airlines
Typical routing
Europe → Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul → Bali or Jakarta
This route offers the advantage of a single connection between Europe and Indonesia.

4. VIA EAST ASIA | LONGER BUT VERY RELIABLE

When Middle Eastern routes are disrupted, travellers often route through major East Asian hubs.
Airlines operating these routes
Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong International Airport
EVA Air via Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
Japan Airlines or All Nippon Airways via Tokyo
Korean Air via Incheon International Airport
Typical routing
Europe → East Asian hub → Indonesia
These routes are slightly longer but extremely stable and well established.
Airlines Currently Flying Between Europe and Indonesia

The following carriers remain the most practical choices for travellers heading to Bali, Lombok or Jakarta:

Singapore Airlines – https://www.singaporeair.com
KLM Air France – https://www.klm.nl
Lufthansa – https://www.lufthansa.com
Turkish Airlines – https://www.turkishairlines.com
Cathay Pacific – https://www.cathaypacific.com
Malaysia Airlines – https://www.malaysiaairlines.com

Flight schedules may still change as airlines adjust to regional airspace restrictions, so checking current availability before departure is advisable.

The Best Current Strategy for Travelling to Bali / Lombok

For travellers departing from Brussels, Amsterdam, Frankfurt or other European cities, the most reliable and comfortable option right now is routing through Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
These hubs offer:
Frequent connections to Bali and Jakarta
Stable operations unaffected by Gulf airspace closures
Excellent long-haul airline options
Until normal operations resume across the Middle East, Asia-based hubs provide the most dependable path to Indonesia.

Does the Middle East Conflict Affect Travel to Bali?

With global tensions rising, many travellers are understandably wondering whether the current conflict in parts of the Middle East will affect their travel plans to Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia.

The reassuring news is that Bali is geographically far removed from the conflict zone, and life on the island continues as normal. Indonesia remains a peaceful destination welcoming visitors from around the world.

While the situation in the Middle East has led to temporary aviation disruptions affecting certain airline routes—particularly those connecting Europe and Asia via Gulf hubs such as Hamad International Airport in Doha, Dubai International Airport, and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi—the impact on travellers is generally limited to possible flight adjustments or changes in airfare levels.

Tourism operations across Bali and the wider Indonesian archipelago continue without interruption, and visitors are still arriving daily via international hubs throughout Asia.

We are fortunate that Indonesia remains safe, stable, and far removed from the current instability, allowing travellers to continue enjoying their journeys with confidence.

As always, it is wise to stay informed through official travel updates and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance in place. With these simple precautions, your trip to Bali should proceed smoothly and remain focused on what matters most: enjoying the beauty, culture, and hospitality of Indonesia.

Luxury Indonesia Travel

Luxury Indonesia Travel – https://www.luxuryindonesiatravel.com  – the dedicated travel department of TLLH Hospitality, specialises in tailored journeys and seamless travel arrangements across Indonesia. Together with my lovely team, I am pleased to assist with flight planning, personalised itineraries, and luxury travel experiences to Lombok, Bali, and beyond.

Should you require assistance in finding the most suitable and best value flights to Lombok Island, please do not hesitate to reach out at anj@luxuryindonesiatravel.com.

I look forward to welcoming you soon to the beauty of Indonesia!

Ibu Antje

I’m Anja Braeken, Co-Founder and Owner of The Lombok Lodge Hospitality® together with my husband, Ben. With over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality, I am passionate about creating meaningful and bespoke travel experiences across the breathtaking island of Lombok and the Gili Islands in Indonesia. My passion for Lombok comes from the island’s breathtaking beauty, its rich traditions, and the warmth of its people. It inspires me every day to share this special place with others by creating meaningful and memorable experiences that allow guests to truly feel the spirit of Lombok and the Gili Islands. Follow my daily life in Lombok & Gili - and more things I adore - on Instagram @ibu.antje

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