Returning Hajj Flight Delayed for 28 hours, Ministry Reconsider Partnership with Garuda Indonesia

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

Editor’s Choice: Boeing to Plead Guilty in Lion Air, Ethiopian Airlines Crashes

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

DPR Holds Plenary Session Today to Discuss Hajj Special Committee, Regency/City Bill

28 menit lalu

AirAsia to Conduct System Maintenance on July 10, Passengers Advised to Self Check-In

3 hari lalu

5 Infamous Deadly Incidents Involving Boeing Aircraft

5 hari lalu

Garuda Indonesia Admits Engine Trouble Causes Plane Carrying Hajj Pilgrims to Turn Back

6 hari lalu

Roof Collapses at New Delhi Airport in India, Departures Canceled

11 hari lalu

Deaths at Saudi Hajj Show Challenge of Shielding Pilgrims from Lethal Climate

11 hari lalu

Qatar Airways Dubbed World's Best Airline at 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards

13 hari lalu

Saudi Arabia Finds 83% of Dead Hajj Pilgrims Lacked Hajj Visa

13 hari lalu

Indonesia AirAsia Offers 15% Discount on All Seats All Flights on International Routes

13 hari lalu

Hajj Pilgrim's Return Flight Delayed for 5 Hours, Govt Reprimands Garuda Indonesia

13 hari lalu