TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, on Monday, August 1, 2016, said Halim Perdanakusuma airport is operational for Hajj pilgrimage 2016 flights that will start on August 9.
"We have asked the airport management, Angkasa Pura II and Garuda Indonesia to improve their services," the minister said in his statement.
The minister called upon the Directorate General of Air Transportation to continue coordinating with the Religion Ministry to provide best services to the devout pilgrims.
The Hajj pilgrims will start departing on August 9 and flights will continue to depart until September 5, 2016.
The flights will depart in two phases. The first lot of flights will depart between August 9 and 21, while the second lot will depart between August 21 and September 5.
A total of 48,186 Hajj pilgrims, from Jakarta, West Java, Banten, and Lampung, in 114 flight groups will depart for Mecca via the Halim Perdanakusuma airport.
The ministry has coordinated with relevant institutions, including the Hajj flight operator, the Indonesian flight carrier, Garuda Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia Airlines.
This year, Garuda will be providing 12 planes; Boeing 777 and 747, and Airbus A330. Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabia Airlines provides Boeing 747 and Airbus A330.
ANTARA