Ministry Of Religion Starts Selection Of Airlines For Hajj Transportation 2025, Here Are The Details

The Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) officially started the selection process for air transportation providers for pilgrims in 1446 Hijri/2025 AD. The registration stage has been opened on Thursday (12 December) at the office of the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah (Directorate General of PHU).

A total of eight national airlines for Indonesia and Saudi Arabia were invited to participate in the selection. Of the eight airlines, six of them were present and took selection documents, namely Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Lion Air, Pelita Air, Saudia Airlines, and Flynas.

"All airlines are invited to create healthy competitions in the provision of air transportation for pilgrims," said Director of Domestic Hajj Services at the Ministry of Religion, Muhammad Zain, as quoted by ANTARA on Friday, December 13.

The selection process for air transportation providers is based on the Decree of the Minister of Religion (KMA) Number 1197 of 2024 concerning Guidelines for the Provision of Air Transportation for Hajj Pilgrims in 1446 Hijri/2025 AD.

Muhammad Zain stressed that this selection will be carried out in a transparent and accountable manner to ensure maximum service for pilgrims, which is expected to be better than the previous year.

"The quality of services must be improved. This process must produce service providers who are able to provide cost efficiency as well as the best service," he added.

Indonesia received a hajj quota of 221,000 pilgrims by 2025, which is divided into 92 percent of the regular hajj quota and 8 percent of the special hajj quota.

Muhammad Zain also stated that special attention will be given to elderly pilgrims. Priority services for the elderly will be the main focus during the flight.

"As one of the largest components in the cost of organizing the hajj, flight costs must be efficient without reducing service quality," he explained.

During the meeting, the Directorate General of PHU explained the administrative, technical, pre-operational, and post-operational requirements that must be met by airlines to be able to provide air transportation for pilgrims.

Capt. Affandi, representative of the Directorate of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operations of the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub), expressed full support in this process, including the provision of aircraft, flight time slot arrangements, to supervision during Hajj operations.

"The aircraft used must be ready to use and able to fully operate for two months of Hajj implementation," said Affandi.

With the start of this selection process, it is hoped that air transportation for Indonesian pilgrims by 2025 can be carried out smoothly, efficiently, and provide maximum service.