Garuda Indonesia President Director Irfan Setiaputra noted that during the first Umrah flight in the period of adapting to the new normal, the state-owned airline had transported at least 257 pilgrims through direct flight services to Medina.
“Garuda Indonesia will serve Umrah flights twice a week,” Setiaputra added.
The flight service to the Holy Land is conducted every Wednesday and Saturday through the Soekarno Hatta International Airport.
The aircraft fleet used for the Umrah flight is the Airbus A330-300 that can carry 24 business-class passengers and 263 economy-class passengers.
Setiaputra believes that the resumption of Umrah flights held special significance for Garuda Indonesia as the national flag carrier to ulfil its commitment to providing access to the Holy Land for Indonesian pilgrims.
Garuda Indonesia also continues to coordinate with various stakeholders for the flight services for Umrah and Hajj travel, such as the Ministry of Religious Affairs and airport authorities, to ensure adherence to the regulations set by the Indonesian government and the Government of Saudi Arabia.
"Aspects, such as the fleet, passenger health policies, quarantine and flight permits between the two countries during the pandemic, as well as technical education for prospective pilgrims, should be prioritized," he elaborated.
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Garuda Indonesia welcomes the enthusiasm of Umrah pilgrims while applying strict health protocols during all flight operations.
All prospective pilgrims should have obtained the full COVID-19 vaccine doses, undergone a one gate system quarantine at the Pondok Gede Hajj Dorm for 1x24 hours or one day before departure, and be tested negative in the PCR test through health facilities approved by the Saudi Arabian government.
Furthermore, pilgrims will undergo institutional quarantine at a certified hotel based on the regulation.
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Translator: Adimas P, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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