TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Religious Affairs has again protested Garuda Indonesia’s Hajj services due to the flight delay experienced by the pilgrims from Balikpapan Embarkation Flight Group 9 (BPN-09). Director General of Hajj and Umrah Operations at the ministry, Hilman Latief, said the airline’s performance this year was poor due to repeated flight delays.

The BPN-09 flight was delayed for 28 hours on a departure slated for July 6. Previously, the Kualanamu Embarkation Group 3 (KNO-03) pilgrims’ flight was also delayed for 12 hours.

"We strongly protest against Garuda Indonesia over the repeated flight delays for the repatriation of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. Garuda Indonesia’s performance this year was very poor and unprofessional,” Hilman Latief said on Monday, July 8, 2024, as reported on the Ministry of Religious Affairs website.

“With these incidents, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will reconsider Garuda Indonesia's involvement in Hajj pilgrim flights in the coming year."

A total of 324 BPN-09 pilgrims from Palu, Central Sulawesi failed to depart on time from Saudi Arabia. The pilgrims were scheduled to depart on July 6 at 01:40 p.m. Saudi Arabian time. However, when they were already heading to the Amir Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz (AMAA) Madinah Airport, Garuda Indonesia suddenly notified that the flight would be delayed until the next day, July 7, 2024, at 05:40 p.m. Saudi Arabian time.

"It's clear that Garuda Indonesia is unprofessional," said Hilman Latief.

A similar protest was conveyed by the Director of Domestic Hajj Services, Saiful Mujab. According to him, Garuda's performance in Hajj services this year is horrendous. In the first week of the Hajj pilgrims' return period, more than 50 percent of flights were delayed. Of the 52 flight groups, 38 groups failed to depart on time due to flight delays.

"A total of 155 groups of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are returning from Saudi Arabia in the second week of the Hajj return period. Of the 155 flight groups, 48.39 percent or 75 groups experienced delays," said Saiful Mujab.

Saiful Mujab again asked Garuda Indonesia to improve their performance for the remaining returning Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.

"It's regrettable for the pilgrims if Garuda Indonesia keeps delaying their flights, especially since they must board domestic planes after to reach their home provinces. The consequence is significant and it’s Garuda Indonesia’s responsibility,” he said.

TEMPO.CO

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