Indonesia’s transport ministry says six airlines are operating flights without the full authorization, including AirAsia and national carrier Garuda.
It follows a week-long investigation after the doomed AirAsia flight QZ8501 was found to be operating without the required permit.
"The families hope the government will take stern action against all airlines and the parties who provided flight permits and end the issuance of illegal flight permits," said Dr H Huddy Chrisnandi, Indonesian Minister of Administrative Reform.
"As the Transport Minister’s colleague and the president’s, I give my full support, whatever controversy this may cause."
The other carriers found to be flying unauthorized routes are Lion Air, Wings Air, Trans Nusa and Susi Air, the latter owned by a prominent Indonesian cabinet minister.
"Garuda Indonesia has committed four violations, Lion Air has 35 violations, Wings Air has 18 violations, Trans Nusa has one violation, and Susi Air has 3 violations," Transport Minister Ignasius Jonan said.
In total, authorities found permit violations on 61 routes which will all be suspended for the time being.
There will also be possible disciplinary action taken against 11 officials at the Air Transport Ministry who were involved in sanctioning AirAsia’s unscheduled Surabaya-Singapore route.
