In The Past, It Was Quiet, Now Kertajati Airport Serves Hajj Pilgrims' Flights

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati had a lack of activity, now this airport officially serves 2023 Hajj flights, where in the first batch 369 passengers were flown to Saudi Arabia using the Saudi Arabian Airline Airbus 330-300 aircraft.

The Ministry of Transportation through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ensures that the first Hajj flights from Kertajati Airport to Saudi Arabia run safely and smoothly in accordance with applicable regulations.

"We always ensure that every plane that will transport the congregation is in good condition before flying, which includes aircraftworthiness conditions, aircraft documents, as well as checking licenses and ensuring the health condition of the pilot and crew on duty in prime condition," said Director General of Civil Aviation, M. Kristi Endah Murni, written Tuesday, May 30.

Previously, prospective pilgrims from Cirebon, Indramayu, Majalengka and Kuningan or commonly called Ciayumajakuning had to travel by land for about 3-4 hours to Soekarno Hatta Airport.

"Now, pilgrims, especially from the Ciayumajakuning area, no need to go all the way to Soekarno Hatta Airport to go for Hajj, from now on Hajj can depart from Kertajati Airport where travel time to the airport can be trimmed and shorter," he said.

Kertajati Airport, which has a terminal of 96,280 m2, is planned to fly 8,848 prospective pilgrims from Indonesia directly to Medina and Jeddah which are divided into 24 groups, with the last batch scheduled to depart on June 22, 2023.

Like other embarkation airports, Kertajati Airport also serves the elderly who are a priority in 2023.

At the departure of this first batch, the oldest congregation was 93 years old.

In accordance with the theme of the Elderly Friendly Hajj, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has carried out intensive collaboration with the West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati, PT Angkasa Pura II, Airnav Indonesia and related stakeholders to improve services for elderly pilgrims at Kertajati Airport.

Such as ensuring the availability of wheelchairs, the use of golf carts, and also the addition of accompanying officers for pilgrims with special needs. This service starts from the congregation arriving at the airport until arriving at the destination airport.

"With the implementation of Hajj and Umrah transportation from Kertajati Airport, as well as international regular flights Kertajati-Kuala Lumpur every Sunday and Wednesday, we hope to become a stimulus for West Java's economic growth, especially in Majalengka Regency," concluded Kristi.