Southeast Asia haze crisis disrupts regional travel

A severe haze crisis is affecting travel across Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore
Forest fires have burned an estimated 800,000 hectares in Indonesia this year
Flight delays and diversions are reported at airports including Senai International
Over 617,000 students in Johor are affected by school closures
Singapore’s PSI readings surpassed 200 on peak days

A severe haze crisis is affecting travel across Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore with hazardous air quality reported in multiple areas. Forest fires have burned an estimated 800,000 hectares in Indonesia this year and prompted school closures in parts of Malaysia. Flight disruption and public health measures are in place as dry weather continues to fuel the emergency.

Regional travel across Southeast Asia is facing severe disruption, marked by flight cancellations, diversions and delays due to low visibility from the worst transboundary haze crisis in over a decade. Airlines are enforcing operational changes based on changing local visibility. Airports like Senai International Airport in Johor have reported flight delays due to poor visibility, while broader regional routes face active flight diversions. The thick smog is threatening outdoor excursions and reducing visibility at major landmarks as the region enters its peak travel season. Schools have been ordered to shut down across several Malaysian states, notably impacting over 617,000 students in Johor, as well as in areas surrounding Kuala Lumpur.

The crisis is driven by intense forest and peatland fires in Indonesia, specifically across Sumatra and Kalimantan, caused by illegal agricultural land clearing for palm oil and paper plantations. The smoke has been exacerbated by a record-strength El Niño weather phenomenon and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, creating an extended drought that leaves the ground highly flammable. Singapore’s PSI readings surpassed 200, ranking it as the most polluted major city on peak days. Malaysia’s API readings reached 170 to 189 in areas like Kuala Lumpur and Johor. Indonesia recorded severe smoke concentrations near fire epicenters, with over 17,000 respiratory illness cases in South Sumatra alone.