Indonesian carrier Lion Air has temporarily suspended flights starting from today (June 5) until “further notice” after its passengers were unable to comply with government-mandated Covid-19 protocols, the Lion Air Group said in a statement.
Lion Air, which resumed domestic flights on June 1, said it cancelled scheduled services because passengers on recent flights did not follow Covid-19 regulations.
“Lion Air Group’s decision was based on considerations from an evaluation of previous flight operations, that many prospective passengers were unable to carry out air travel because they did not complete the required documents and conditions during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic alert period,” reads a statement from the company.
According to Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry’s regulation, business trips and traveling for family emergencies are allowed as long as passengers show documents stating they are free from the coronavirus, reports the Jakarta Globe.
Passengers whose flights were cancelled can opt for a full refund or re-schedule without any additional fees, the company said on its website.
The low-cost carrier said it had introduced health and safety precautions such as replaced Hepa filters on aircraft that have carried suspected cases, enhanced daily cleaning procedures, and enforced social distancing during check-in and boarding.
“Lion Air Group supports government related to the prevention efforts of Covid-19 spread, through active participation in implementing the health protocols that have been established by the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Health and Task Force,” the Group said in a statement on its website.
