TEMPO.CO, Tangerang, Banten - Indonesian Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi assured that transportation services at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Banten, are ready for this year's Eid homecoming flow.

He was accompanied by officials from the Directorate General of Air Transportation and the head of Airport Authority Region I, during his review of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport's readiness ahead of Eid al-Fitr homecoming on Friday, March 29.

"Based on the latest data, there will be a surge in passengers at the airport because there are approximately 193 million travelers, or a 50-percent increase (compared to the previous year)," the minister said.

To handle the surge in passengers, the Transportation Ministry has asked airport officers to manage the drop-off area well to prevent long queues.

Most check-in counters must only function as a place to drop luggage, he added.

"This time, the number of travelers who will go home has increased. There will be around 193 million travelers or an increase of 50 percent (from last year). Therefore, we must be ready to face this Eid homecoming," Budi continued.

After the review, he said that overall flight procedures are being managed well and airport facilities are functioning optimally.

His ministry has also asked Angkasa Pura II (AP II), the operator of Soekarno-Hatta Airport, to add flight schedules to provide maximum service to travelers this year.

"Now, there are extra flights. We allow (AP II) to add the number of flights with rotational productivity," he said.

On Friday, Minister Budi Karya also reviewed fleet safety/ramp checks on aircraft at the airport.

Some inspectors from the Directorate General of Air Transportation also assured of the airworthiness of the aircraft that will be used to serve passengers during the holiday period.

ANTARA

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