Saudi Arabia Opens Entry Access, Garuda Indonesia Brings Good News: Starting To Serve Umrah Flights Per Day, Wednesday And Saturday Flights

JAKARTA - The national airline Garuda Indonesia is again serving Umrah flights for Indonesian pilgrims today, in line with the opening of access to the Holy Land. On this inaugural Umrah flight, Garuda Indonesia carried at least 257 pilgrims via direct flight services to Medina.

With the re-operation of Umrah flight services for Indonesian Umrah pilgrims, Garuda Indonesia will serve two flights per week, namely on Wednesdays and Saturdays through Soekarno Hatta International Airport.

The flights will be served using the Airbus A330-300 fleet which has a capacity of 24 business class passengers and 263 economy class passengers.

President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Irfan Setiaputra, said that the return of Umrah flights has an important meaning for Garuda Indonesia as a national flag carrier to carry out its commitment to providing accessibility to the Holy Land for Indonesian pilgrims.

Furthermore, Irfan said that his party continues to coordinate with various stakeholders in the implementation of the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage, including the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia to airport services to ensure compliance with the regulatory provisions set by the Indonesian government and the Saudi Arabian government.

"Such as fleet needs, passenger health policies, quarantine and flight permits between countries during the pandemic, to technical education on the implementation of Umrah and Hajj during the pandemic to prospective pilgrims," he said in a written statement, Wednesday, January 12.

In the midst of the enthusiasm of prospective pilgrims, Garuda Indonesia strives to ensure its commitment to provide a seamless worship experience for all pilgrims, both at the time of departure, during the worship process, until they return to the country.

"Especially in providing safe and comfortable flight services by implementing strict and consistent health protocols in all lines of flight operations," he said.

Prospective pilgrims have met the requirements

Irfan said that Garuda Indonesia also ensured that all prospective pilgrims who took part in the flight had met the requirements for performing Umrah.

For example, having received a complete COVID-19 vaccination, undergoing quarantine with a one gate system at Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory for 1x24 hours (or D-1 departure), PCR test examination with negative results from health facilities that have been recognized by the Government of Saudi Arabia and will further undergo 'institutional quarantine' in a hotel that has been certified as a quarantine location, in accordance with applicable regulations.

"We will of course continue to monitor developments and establish intensive coordination with various stakeholders in order to ensure a smooth Umrah pilgrimage for all prospective pilgrims," he said.