Minister Of Transportation Budi Karya Tinjau Directly Departures Umrah Jemaah Flight At Kertajati Airport

Photo: Doc. Antara

Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Budi Karya Sumadi directly observed the departure of the second Umrah pilgrim from Kertajati Airport in West Java, Saturday, November 26.

"I am happy that West Java residents can go for Umrah from Kertajati. What we are doing is an effort to optimize the strength of Kertajati airport," said the Minister of Transportation, quoted from Antara.

Today, 375 Umrah pilgrims departed using Lion Air JT 068 (Airbus 330-300) aircraft directly to Medina Airport.

Previously, on November 20, 2022, 224 Umrah pilgrims had departed using Garuda Indonesia (Airbus 330-300) aircraft directly to King Abdul Aziz Airport, Jeddah.

Umrah pilgrims departing using the two airlines came from a number of areas in West Java, including Cirebon, Indramayu, Kuningan, and Majalengka.

In addition to West Java residents, the Minister of Transportation also invited the people around West Java, especially the eastern and western parts of Central Java, to depart for Umrah from Kertajati Airport.

"Apart from being closer than having to go to Soekarno Hatta Airport, Kertajati Airport is also relatively not crowded," he said.

Furthermore, the Minister of Transportation expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all parties who supported efforts to restore flight operations at Kertajati Airport after the pandemic.

West Java is an area that has the highest Umrah pilgrims in Indonesia. The potential for Umrah pilgrims from West Java in one season or eight months can reach 70 thousand people.

Previously, Umrah flights had been operated from Kertajati Airport in 2018 and 2020 before being stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is hoped that Umrah flights can run continuously at Kertajati Airport. With the completion of the Cileunyi-Sumedang-Dawuan (Cisumdawu) toll road which is targeted to be completed by the end of this year, it is also hoped that Kertajati Airport will be more crowded and competitive.