Garuda And Citilink Have No Flights To Wuhan

Garuda Indonesia aircraft. (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - The national airline Garuda Indonesia has increased anticipatory efforts and vigilance over the spread of the corona virus or the novel coronavirus (nCoV). President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Irfaniaputra, said that the state-owned airline does not have a flight route to and from the place of origin of the corona virus, Wuhan.

Increased awareness is carried out through increasing education and other anticipatory steps for all operational lines and aviation service stakeholders regarding efforts to prevent the virus.

Irfan revealed that Garuda Indonesia's serious attention to efforts to anticipate the spread of the virus was carried out by prioritizing aspects of flight safety and the comfort of air travel for all passengers.

"We have increased surveillance of a number of flight services operating on a number of international routes that are prone to the spread of the virus in collaboration with the local health and airport service authorities," said Irfan in a statement received on Sunday, January 26.

He conveyed that Garuda Indonesia also increased supervision with the local airport authorities, the Port Health Office (KKP) in Indonesia, especially at the international arrival terminal.

Irfan explained, his party carefully complied with all regulatory policies regarding efforts to prevent the corona virus. One way to do this is through the policy of delivering health documents in the form of a general declaration of health and passenger manifestations to health workers at the KKP health post at the international flight terminal.

This was done shortly after landing for flights that serve direct flights, as well as transits, especially from China and Hong Kong.

Garuda Indonesia also urges passengers to remain calm, increase vigilance and understand the procedures for preventing the spread of the virus which are carried out by prioritizing aspects of personal hygiene and ensuring health conditions are in a fit state before traveling.

"The socialization of prevention efforts is also being intensified to all operational lines, such as increasing understanding of the spread of the virus, recommending the use of early protective equipment such as masks to hand sanitizers for officers, crews and passengers," continued Irfan.

His party also maintains the health condition of the flight crew by ensuring that all crew members have adequate rest time while carrying out their duties.

"Garuda Indonesia continues to monitor the current situation, take the necessary actions and will continue to provide the latest information, especially regarding the impact on flight services," concluded Irfan.