Flying Umrah Congregants Twice A Week, Garuda Indonesia Boss: A Pride And Honor Can Take Them To The Holy Land

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Garuda Indonesia)

JAKARTA - Garuda Indonesia President Director Irfan Suraputra said that the airline had returned to serving Umrah flights. On yesterday's inaugural flight, Garuda carried 257 Umrah pilgrims. This Umrah flight service can only be accessed twice a week.

This means that if one day Garuda brings 257 pilgrims, then in one week there are 514 pilgrims flying to Saudi Arabia.

"I still plan to do it twice a week. We will review the existing dynamics," he told VOI, Thursday, January 13.

Furthermore, Irfan hopes that flight slots to serve Umrah pilgrims can be added. However, this depends on the development of COVID-19 in the country.

"Of course (it can be added). It is an honor and honor to be able to take Umrah pilgrims directly to the Holy Land," he said.

Previously, it was reported that with the 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.

Irfan said that his party continues to coordinate with various stakeholders in the implementation of the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage, including the Indonesian Ministry of Religion 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.

Furthermore, Irfan said that Garuda Indonesia also ensured that all prospective pilgrims who took part in the inaugural flight on Wednesday, January 12 had met the requirements to perform 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' at 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.