ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, has officially designated PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (GIAA) and Saudia Airlines as the two airlines authorized to serve Indonesian pilgrims during the 1447 Hijri/2026 Hajj season.
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf stated that the decision followed a rigorous selection process involving seven airlines — six domestic and one foreign carrier from the destination country.
“Based on the evaluation results, only PT Garuda Indonesia and Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) met all the administrative, technical, and operational requirements set by the government,” Irfan said during a working meeting with Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives in Jakarta on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
He emphasized that the selection process was conducted transparently and in compliance with applicable regulations.
According to the ministry, Garuda Indonesia will transport 102,502 Hajj pilgrims and group officers from embarkation points in Aceh, Medan, Padang, parts of Jakarta (Pondok Gede), Banten, Solo, Yogyakarta, Banjarmasin, Balikpapan, Makassar, and Lombok.
Meanwhile, Saudia Airlines will carry 101,860 pilgrims and officers from embarkation hubs in Batam, Palembang, parts of Jakarta (Pondok Gede and Bekasi), Kertajati or Indramayu, and Surabaya.
“This division was designed to ensure route efficiency, fleet availability, and the capacity of each embarkation airport,” Irfan explained.
In total, 204,362 Indonesian pilgrims and Hajj group officers will travel to the Holy Land in 525 flight groups through 14 embarkation and debarkation airports across Indonesia.
The entire operation will span 30 days, with integrated departure and return schedules coordinated between the two designated airlines. (AT Network)
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