Ministry Of Religion Reminds Garuda Not To Delay Flights Home For Hajj Pilgrims

Illustration - A Number of prospective Hajj Group 18 Solo Embarkation candidates entered Garuda Indonesia aircraft at Adi Soemarmo Airport Solo, Central Java, Thursday (16/5/2024). ANTARA/Harianto

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion has asked Garuda Indonesia and Saudi Airlines to hold its commitment and hopes that there will be no delays in flights in the return phase of pilgrims to Indonesia.

"Hopefully the airlines that serve us will not slow down, it can be according to the schedule," said Director General of Hajj and Umrah of the Ministry of Religion Hilman Latief in Medina as reported by ANTARA, Friday, June 21.

The phase of the return of the congregation will start from June 22 to July 3, 2024, where the first batch of pilgrims will depart from Makkah to King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, and return to Indonesia.

Meanwhile, the second wave of pilgrims will first go to Medina and will return via Amir Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz (AMAA) Airport in Medina from 4 to 21 July 2024.

Hilman said flight delays would have an impact on various services, such as accommodation, consumption, and transportation. In addition, pilgrims will also be exhausted.

"Therefore, it is the commitment and readiness of airlines that will also help resolve this situation," he said.

Especially for hotels, Hilman highlighted the difference in the rental system between Makkah and Medina. The hotel rental system in Medina is based on the number of days or blocking times. Meanwhile in Makkah the full season or full lease during the implementation of the Hajj season.

"The impact of the hotel (in Medina), if the flight schedule is late, change the schedule, that's the hotel must be filled again by other pilgrims. If in Makkah, all pilgrims can get a hotel until the end of the Hajj season," he said.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DJPU) of the Ministry of Transportation ensures that the entire process of returning Indonesian pilgrims can run smoothly, safely and safely.

"The Ministry of Transportation is ready to support the return of pilgrims, both in terms of readiness of airport facilities and infrastructure for the debarkation and readiness of the aircraft fleet," said Director of Public Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation, Putu Eka Cahyadhi.

His party will also ensure the readiness of aircraft used by both Saudia Airlines (SV) and Garuda Indonesia (GA) as well as increase supervision of fulfillment in aspects of safety, security, and services for the return of pilgrims.