In what sounds like a scene from a surreal comedy, two flights at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport were canceled between July 4 and 6, 2025. The reason? Not storms, mechanical failures, or air traffic strikes, but kite flying. Yes, you read that right. Kite flying near the airport caused enough disruption to ground scheduled flights.
Yes, kites. The kind children fly in open fields. The kind usually associated with lazy afternoons, not international air travel.
According to reports by RRI and Elshinta, unauthorized kite-flying activities near Soetta’s airspace disrupted flight operations, forcing cancellations and delays. In response, airport operator PT Angkasa Pura has ramped up patrols in the surrounding area to intercept any airborne toys that might interfere with navigation systems.
How Kite Flying Disrupted 21 Flights at Soetta
Kite flying is more than just a pastime in Indonesia. It’s practically a seasonal ritual. Especially during the dry months when the skies are clear and the winds are strong. But when kites stray too close to airport zones, they pose a very real risk to aviation safety.
While it might sound absurd to international ears, this isn’t the first time kites have caused trouble at Indonesian airports. Over the years, aviation authorities have issued multiple warnings about the danger of kite strings entangling aircraft engines or confusing radar systems.
Kite Traditions vs. Airport Safety
This incident, while disruptive, serves as a unique reminder of what the cultural contrasts that make Indonesia what it is, a place where ancient traditions and modern infrastructure often intersect in unpredictable ways.
So, if you’re flying in or out of Jakarta anytime soon, keep an eye on the skies. Not just for other planes, but for rogue kites soaring a little too high for comfort.
Featured Image by Diane Diederich (Adobe Stock)
