Indonesia approved 35 foreign aircraft to fight Kalimantan forest fires on 2 Sept 2026 as 615 were evacuated after Mount Sinabung erupted and 21 flights were cancelled at Medan's Kualanamu Airport.
Cover image: haze from forest fires over Kalimantan with smoke hanging over the canopy — photo by Nick Archibald, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Indonesia approved 35 foreign aircraft to fight forest fires in Kalimantan on 2 September 2026, as a twin emergency unfolded: 615 residents evacuated after Mount Sinabung erupted in North Sumatra and 21 flights were cancelled at Medan’s Kualanamu Airport due to ash and haze. The national response now includes 442 Alpha Team soldiers on the ground and expanded water-bombing sorties.
The moves come as September’s dry-season peak and El Niño conditions pushed fire alerts across six provinces and Borneo-Luzon haze. For travellers, the immediate impact is flight disruption around Medan and intermittent haze over parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, while Bali, Jakarta and Lombok remain open but may see schedule ripple effects on domestic connections.
What happened on 1-2 September 2026?
According to ANTARA News headlines and updates tracked on 2 September:
- 35 foreign aircraft approved to help fight Kalimantan fires, joining Indonesian helicopters and fixed-wing water-bombers targeting peatland hotspots.
- Mount Sinabung eruption in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, prompted evacuation of 615 residents within the danger zone.
- 21 flights cancelled at Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) serving Medan, as ash cloud and low visibility triggered safety diversions.
- 442 Alpha Team soldiers deployed nationwide to reinforce firefighting, logistics and evacuation support.
The disaster agency (BNPB) and the environment ministry have warned that transboundary haze could thicken if winds shift, with impacts on air quality indices in Pekanbaru, Palembang and Pontianak. Airlines operating via KNO are rebooking through Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta where possible.
Which flights and parks are affected?
Medan’s KNO is the hub for northern Sumatra connections to Jakarta, Batam, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. The 21 cancellations on 2 September included morning domestic turns and at least two Malaysia-bound services, according to airport notices. National parks in fire-prone zones have tightened access:
- Gunung Leuser and Kerinci Seblat sectors near the Sinabung exclusion zone are restricting trekking.
- Kalimantan parks such as Tanjung Puting are operating but boat excursions may be shortened if smoke thickens.
If you hold a ticket via KNO in the next 48 hours, check your airline’s rebooking waiver — most carriers are allowing free changes to 3-4 September departures. The earlier Indonesia forest fires and park closures piece explains how to claim rebooking and which alternative airports (Kualanamu vs Silangit vs Minangkabau) to request.
How bad is the haze for visitors?
Peat fires produce persistent smoke that can linger for days. On 2 September, air quality in parts of Central and West Kalimantan was in the unhealthy range, while Medan’s AQI improved by evening as ash dispersed north-east. Travellers sensitive to smoke should carry N95 masks, keep outdoor time short, and keep hotel windows closed. Tour operators in Bali, which logged 9.83 million visitors January-July 2026, report no direct haze yet, but domestic hops from Bali to Sumatra are seeing 1-2 hour delays.
| Emergency measure | Detail (2 Sept 2026) |
|---|---|
| Foreign aircraft approved | 35 aircraft for Kalimantan water-bombing |
| Sinabung evacuees | 615 residents in Karo Regency |
| Flights cancelled at KNO | 21 flights (Medan Kualanamu) |
| Ground force | 442 Alpha Team soldiers deployed |
| Alerts | Fire alerts in 6 provinces; park access restricted |
What should travellers do this week?
For trips to Sumatra and Kalimantan between 2-5 September:
- Reconfirm flights via KNO, Palembang (PLM) and Pekanbaru (PKU) the night before and morning of departure — schedules are moving hourly.
- Allow longer connections if transiting Medan to international flights; consider routing via Jakarta (CGK) instead.
- Pack masks, eye drops and a spare day if you have a ferry or park permit that is weather-dependent.
- If you are heading to Bali’s best areas for Indian tourists, keep your Sumatra leg refundable until haze clears.
Authorities are also probing three companies over fires in Jambi, signalling tighter enforcement against burning. The foreign aircraft approval is the largest single international assist for Indonesian fires in 2026 and should increase daily water drops once clearances complete.
Frequently asked questions
How many aircraft is Indonesia using for the current forest fires?
On 2 September 2026 Indonesia approved 35 foreign aircraft to join the fight against Kalimantan fires, supplementing national helicopters and water-bombers. The fleet is focused on hotspots in Kalimantan where transboundary haze is thickest.
Were flights cancelled due to the fires and Sinabung eruption?
Yes. Mount Sinabung's eruption on 1-2 September forced the evacuation of 615 residents in North Sumatra and led to 21 flights being cancelled at Medan's Kualanamu Airport, with ash and haze reducing visibility.
Is it safe to travel to Bali and Jakarta right now?
Bali and Jakarta remain operational, but haze can drift and domestic connections via Medan may be delayed. Check your airline for Kualanamu, Palembang and Pekanbaru rebookings and carry a mask for outdoor exposure if sensitive to smoke.
What is the government doing beyond aircraft?
Indonesia deployed 442 Alpha Team soldiers to bolster wildfire response and is investigating firms linked to fires. The national disaster agency is coordinating water-bombing, evacuations and health advisories.
Sources
- ANTARA News — Indonesia approves 35 foreign aircraft to fight Kalimantan fires (2 Sept 2026 headline update)
- ANTARA News — Mount Sinabung eruption: 615 residents evacuated in North Sumatra; 21 flights cancelled at Kualanamu Airport (1-2 Sept 2026)
- ANTARA News — Indonesia deploys 442 Alpha Team soldiers to bolster wildfire response (2 Sept 2026)
