Lion Air to Open Batam-Saudi Arabia Direct Flight for Umrah Pilgrims

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Lion Air will accommodate Umrah flights directly from Hang Nadim International Airport, Batam, to King Mohammad bin Abdul Aziz International Airport and King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Saudi Arabia starting from July 31, 2023.

"To support the management ecosystem of Umrah 1445 Hijri," said Corporate Communications Strategic Lion Air Danang Mandala Prihantoro in a written statement on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

Danang also explained that Lion Air is constantly trying to improve the quality of Umrah and tourism flights by prioritizing safety, security, and comfort. "Lion Air operates newer, high-security airplanes. Boeing 737-9 for the Batam-Saudi Arabia flights has 215 economy seat capacity with 3-3 configuration and a single hallway," said Danang.

The service offers several benefits. First, since Batam is the nearest city in Indonesia to Saudi Arabia, this flight is a comfortable gateway for the youth to do Umrah. The flight will facilitate access and transportation for Umrah pilgrims. "Especially those from Riau Islands Regency, Tanjungpinang City, Batam City, Bintan Regency, Karimun Regency, Natuna Regency, Anambas Islands Regency, and Ligga Regency. Jambi Province, and others," Danang said.

Second, Danang said that this initiative is intended to expedite the Umrah experience and to optimize the time and journey. The structured group rules and schedule help the pilgrims focus on their worship. 

The third one is the "rethink summer" experience where the customers are offered to visit tourist destinations such as Al Jazeera Equestrian Center, Jeddah marine tourism, explore the Muftaha village, Al Souda, Waduk Lake, and the historic village of Rijal Al Maa, and enjoying the cable car while surrounded with Al Hada mountainous view.

Lion Air partnered up with Saudi Tourism Authority to realize the potential of Saudi Arabia's tourism through strategic collaboration. "This campaign is intended to attract tourists, especially the young generation to plan their Umrah and vacation in Saudi Arabia," said Danang.

The fourth benefit is the sharing experience and multicultural friendship created between the youths from around the world doing Umrah.

The ergonomic leather seats on the plane are completed with a headrest designed for comfort. The cabin storage is spacious to accommodate the luggage. The plane also offers a bigger window and wider cabin-side walls. Boeing Sky Interior provided oval ceiling panels with color-changing lights. "Lion Air is thankful for the coordination and support from regulators and the airport management of Batam and Saudi Arabia," said Danang. "The facilities offer plus points for the Umrah pilgrims to facilitate their journey to Saudi Arabia."

MOH. KHORY ALFARIZI

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