GALAJABAR - The Garuda Indonesia airline hopes that the departure of the Umrah pilgrims can be flown from Kertajati West Java International Airport.

that is if Garuda Indonesia has obtained permission to fly to Saudi Arabia.

"In the future we want the Umrah pilgrims from Indonesia not only to depart from Jakarta, for example from Kertajati Airport, as well as from Makassar, Balikpapan, Medan and other cities," said Garuda Indonesia President Director Irfan Everyutra, Wednesday, November 4, 2020.

Quoted by galajabar from RRI, Irfan said, if the departure could be made from another city, it would not make the congregation tired on the trip.

Moreover, Irfan said, most of the majority of the Umrah pilgrims first flew and headed for the holy land.

"It is very unwise for an airline like Garuda Indonesia to send passengers to stop at certain places, it's difficult for them," he said.

Previously, Garuda Indonesia airline stated its readiness to serve Umrah flights again. Currently, the Government of Saudi Arabia has reopened its international flight access, including for the purpose of Umrah worship.

"So if for Umrah, whenever Saudi Arabia will allow Garuda Indonesia to bring in prospective Umrah pilgrims, we are ready," he said.

He confirmed that even though all this time Umrah flights were temporarily suspended, the Garuda Indonesia team that handled Umrah was still making efforts.

In particular, coordinating with related parties including online travel agents (OTA) and prospective pilgrims.

"We make sure there is no preparation that we reduce. In terms of infrastructure for Umrah flights, we are always ready," he said.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport is currently a special gateway for flights with airports in the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, China and Singapore during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This is with the Travel Corridor Arrangement (TCA) initiative initiated by the Indonesian government with these countries. ***