Angkasa Pura

Umrah flights reopen at Kertajati Airport today, pilgrims from West Java are enthusiastic

Jakarta - Kertajati Airport in Majalengka, West Java, resumes serving Umrah flights starting today, Sunday 20 November 2022.

Umrah pilgrims from West Java said they were happy and satisfied because flight departures to the Holy Land could be made easier.

Maya Apriliani, an Umrah congregation from Indramayu (West Java) who departed for Jeddah via Kertajati Airport today, November 20 2022, said access to Kertajati Airport was very close for pilgrims from West Java like herself.

"There's a good airport [Kertajati Airport] and it's close, so there's no need to go to Jakarta. Just here, there is an airport, more convenient and closer access," said Maya Apriliani.

The same thing was conveyed by Charly, an Umrah congregation who also came from Indramayu.

“Very helpful and close. Usually [departs] to Soekarno-Hatta Airport. I'm very happy [now from Kertajati Airport], hope in the future that Umrah [flights] will continue from here and don't stop," said Charly, an Umrah congregation from Indramayu, West Java, when met during departure processing at the Kertajati Airport check-in counter area, Sunday November 20, 2022.

Charly said he underwent the Umrah pilgrimage from Kertajati Airport with 14 other colleagues from Indramayu.

Muhammad Iksan, an Umrah pilgrim from Cirebon, West Java, admitted that he was comfortable flying from Kertajati Airport to Jeddah.

“The more advanced, the more complete the facilities. In the future, Kertajati Airport can match or be superior to Soekarno-Hatta Airport," said Muhammad Iksan.

As for today, November 20 2022, Garuda Indonesia has reopened Umrah flights at Kertajati Airport using an Airbus A330 aircraft with flight number GA 902. Previously, Umrah flights had been operated from Kertajati Airport, namely in 2018 and 2020.

Kertajati Airport itself is managed by PT Angkasa Pura II. Aside from being a manager, AP II also holds shares in PT West Java International Airport as the owner of Kertajati Airport.

PT Angkasa Pura II President Director Muhammad Awaluddin said the opening of Kertajati Airport for Umrah flights was aimed at making it easier for Umrah pilgrims from West Java to depart for the Holy Land.

The opening of Umrah flights at Kertajati Airport, said Muhammad Awaluddin, could be carried out thanks to the full support of the Ministry of Transportation and the synergy of all stakeholders.

"AP II hopes that Umrah pilgrims from West Java can feel more comfortable and closer through Kertajati Airport to depart for the Holy Land. All aspects at Kertajati Airport have been prepared to provide the best service for Umrah pilgrims," ​​said Muhammad Awaluddin.

AP II Director of Operation Muhamad Wasid said the opening of Umrah flights at Kertajati Airport was also to support Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

"Flight traffic at Soekarno-Hatta Airport is currently increasing, including Umrah flights which have experienced a significant increase. The opening of Umrah flights at Kertajati Airport to serve pilgrims from West Java will help Soekarno-Hatta Airport operations. This is in line with the multi-airport system concept implemented by AP II, where one airport with another airport supports each other in terms of operations and services," said Muhamad Wasid.

Maria Kristi, Expert Staff to the Minister of Transportation for Safety and Connectivity for the Minister of Transportation, was also present at Kertajati Airport to see off the congregation's departure for the Holy Land.

"We from the Ministry of Transportation encourage Umrah flights from Kertajati Airport to be carried out on a regular schedule," said Maria Kristi.

Furthermore, Maria Kristi said the potential for Umrah pilgrims from West Java in 1 season (8 months) could reach 70,000 people.

Garuda Indonesia Director of Operations Tumpal Manumpak Hutapea said the direct flight to Kertajati Airport - Jeddah is expected to be an optimal travel solution so as to increase the enthusiasm of the people of West Java in planning a comfortable worship trip.

"We operate direct flights from Kertajati Airport - Jeddah, which are connected to Jakarta - Jeddah flights, we operate with Airbus 330 - 300 aircraft with flight number GA 902 and transport approximately 224 pilgrims, departing from Kertajati Airport at 13.45 WIB," said Tumpal Manumpak Hutapea.

President Director of PT West Java International Airport Muhamad Singgih is grateful for the support of all parties so that Kertajati Airport can resume Umrah flights.