Jakarta. Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said domestic airlines will not be permitted to use Boeing 737 Max 8 jets to carry passengers during the upcoming Idul Fitri holidays, following two recent deadly crashes involving the aircraft.

"The Boeing Max 8 is still not allowed to fly during the peak travel session before and after Idul Fitri," the minister said, as quoted by Antara news agency. He added that the decision was made in the interest of travelers' safety.

The government grounded all Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by domestic carriers in March, following the crash of Lion Air flight JT-610 near Jakarta on Oct. 29 last year and that of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 near Addis Ababa on March 10 this year.

The restriction will be reviewed once investigations into the two crashes have been completed, Budi said.

Beside Lion Air, national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia also operates several Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets.

Garuda has canceled its purchase order for 49 of the aircraft in March.