Again, Hajj Pilgrims Delayed 12 Hours To Return To Indonesia

Photo via Antara

JAKARTA - The flight for the Hajj group 6 Embarkation Medan (MES 6) to the country has been delayed by up to 12 hours. The effect, has an impact on the next flight group.

"Garuda has sent a letter, informing that there is a delay in the departure of MES 6. Because it is already at the airport, Garuda provides accommodation and transportation services in Jeddah while the congregation is waiting for departure," said Director of Domestic Hajj Services at the Ministry of Religion Saiful Mujab in Mecca, Thursday, July 28.

In addition to MES 6, in its letter, Garuda also requested that the departure of MES 7 from Mecca be postponed in advance. This means that the departure of MES 7 is also affected by the delay experienced by MES 6.

According to the agreement, Garuda must bear the accommodation and transportation of the pilgrims as a result of flight delays or delays.

"We have also agreed, if the congregation is stuck in Mecca, then all forms of facilitation are also the responsibility of Garuda," he said.

Saiful regretted that there was another delay in the departure of a Garuda Indonesia flight carrying pilgrims. Because, this is not the first delay. In fact, according to Saiful, currently the first batch of congregants is returning home.

"I hope something like this does not happen again. I ask Garuda Indonesia to make better preparations in welcoming the second phase of the repatriation of Indonesian pilgrims from Medina," he said.

Previously, the congregations of the Banjarmasin Embarkation Batch 1 (BDJ 1) also experienced a 24 hour delay.