Indonesia’s Lion Air Group said that passengers are eligible for refunds following the suspensions of flights to and from Malaysia, following its nationwide lockdown amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
KL-based Malindo Air, along with other airlines owned by the group including low-cost carriers Lion Air and Wings Air, as well as full-service carrier Batik Air, have all temporarily suspended flights to and from Malaysia until March 31.
The airlines owned and operated by Lion Air Group service flights from Indonesian cities to numerous destinations in Malaysia, such as KL, Penang, Malacca, Subang (Selangor), and Kuching.
In a written statement, Lion Air Group noted that the suspension was necessary for the safety of all their staff and passengers while doubling down as a preventive measure against COVID-19. The statement also states that all passengers have been duly informed about the temporary flight suspensions.
“This measure was taken in order to support the Movement Control Order, which has been implemented by the Malaysian Government, where the Malaysian people are prohibited to leave their country and the restriction towards foreign visitors to Malaysia,” Lion Air Group’s spokesman Danang Mandala Prihantoro said in the statement.
All passengers who have bought the tickets are eligible for refunds, which comprises a few requirements. They are also given an option to reschedule their flights depending on seat availability.
The lockdown, which started yesterday, will not affect domestic flights between KL and Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang and Langkawi. In addition, Lion Air, Batik Air and Wings Air have not announced any changes to their scheduled flights within Indonesia.
Indonesia will begin expanding its travel restrictions tomorrow, as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to spike domestically, with one notable new policy being the suspension of all visa waiver programs.
As outlined by the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Tuesday, waivers for short-stay visits, visa-on-arrival, and diplomatic/service visa-free facilities for all nationalities will be suspended for one month, effective March 20.
Travelers intending to visit Indonesia during this period are required to present a health certificate from their respective national health authority upon applying for a visa.
Indonesia’s restrictions on travelers coming from China and South Korea still apply, while travelers who have been in Iran, Italy, Vatican City, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom within 14 days of travel to Indonesia will be refused entry.
In addition, the government is urging Indonesians to refrain from all non-essential travel abroad for the time being, and for those who are already abroad to return home before possible further flight disruptions make it difficult to do so.
As of yesterday afternoon, Indonesia has recorded 227 confirmed COVID-19 patients, 19 of whom have died while 11 have recovered. Jakarta makes up the most of new coronavirus infections in the country.
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