PPIH asks Garuda to maintain the timeliness of the phase of the repatriation of the Hajj pilgrims

Garuda Indonesia aircraft began moving by carrying 360 prospective pilgrims of Kloter 1 Medan Embarkation to the Holy Land at the Kualanamu International Airport, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, Wednesday (22/4/2026). (Antara - HO - PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi)

JAKARTA - The Medan Embarkation Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) asked the Garuda Indonesia airline to maintain the timeliness of the repatriation phase of North Sumatra's haj pilgrims from the Holy Land.

The Chairman of the Medan Embarkation PPIH, Zulkifli Sitorus, said that the phase of returning pilgrims through the Deli Serdang Kualanamu International Airport was carried out from June 1 to 21, 2026.

"I think, this is something we should appreciate for Garuda. Hopefully, it can maintain consistency, especially when it comes back," said Zulkifli in Medan, North Sumatra, Friday.

His party does not want delays (delays in departure or arrival of aircraft), damage or other obstacles to the national airline.

Data from the Medan Embarkation PPIH stated that 5,972 prospective pilgrims from North Sumatra had been brought by Garuda Indonesia aircraft to the Holy Land in the departure phase from April 22 to May 11, 2026.

"We hope that there will be no more things or obstacles for our pilgrims when they arrive in the country," said Zulkifli.

In the departure phase, he continued, the Garuda Indonesia aircraft maintained punctuality or without delay, so that 5,972 prospective pilgrims from North Sumatra arrived on schedule in the Holy Land.

"Garuda is no longer on time. But several times it is on time, including Kloter 17 Medan Embarkation, which has been accelerated by 30 minutes," he explained.

Garuda Indonesia Medan Branch Manager Bobby Pratama Saragih stated that his party was grateful because it could bring as many as 5,972 prospective pilgrims from North Sumatra safely to the Holy Land.

"We at Garuda are very grateful. This has been realized through the good cooperation and coordination we have with the Ministry of Hajj, especially the representatives in North Sumatra Province," he said.

His party said that the Garuda Indonesia internal team is constantly ensuring and monitoring the Hajj plane service this Hajj season.

In addition, his party also continues to carry out evaluations after this phase one is completed, namely the departure of prospective pilgrims from North Sumatra.

"Of course, the hope is that in phase two (repatriation, ed) it can be better. If there are obstacles that we face in phase one, maybe it can be improved in phase two," said Bobby.