"We have prepared six airports to serve the returning pilgrims to Indonesia over the next month. We have made various preparations, including the readiness of airport infrastructure, operational procedures, and services," Acting Director of AP I Lukman F. Laisa noted in a statement received here, Wednesday.
In addition, his side had coordinated with related agencies to support the handling of pilgrims' return to ensure their comfort upon arrival.
AP I, through six managed airports, has begun serving the return of Hajj pilgrims on the 2023 Hajj Pilgrimage Air Transport. Based on the schedule, the disembarkation period will take place from July 4 to August 4, 2023, Laisa revealed.
During the disembarkation period, some 107,222 Hajj pilgrims will be served in 282 flight groups handled by six airports managed by AP I.
"Starting on Tuesday, AP I airports began serving the returning pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. On behalf of the management, we welcome the pilgrims back to Indonesia," he stated.
AP I announced that Juanda Airport in Surabaya began serving the returning pilgrims from July 4 to August 4, with 38,275 Hajj pilgrims in 88 groups.
Meanwhile, Adi Soemarmo Airport in Solo and Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar will start serving the returning pilgrims from July 5 to August 3.
Adi Soemarmo Airport is scheduled to serve 35,273 pilgrims from 99 groups, while Sultan Hasanuddin Airport will serve as many as 16,866 pilgrims from 43 groups.
Moreover, SAMS Sepinggan Airport in Balikpapan will start serving the returning pilgrims from July 8 to August 3, with 6,101 pilgrims from 21 groups.
Syamsudin Noor Airport in Banjarmasin will begin welcoming the 5,708 returning pilgrims in 18 groups from July 9 to August 2.
Meanwhile, Lombok International Airport will only start serving the returning pilgrims, totaling 4,999 from 13 groups, between July 19 and August 2.
"We also ensure that Hajj flight services and regular flights can run well and in accordance with service standards that prioritize the principles of safety, security, services, and compliance," Laisa stated.
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Translator: Benardy Ferdiansyah, Resinta S
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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