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The Ministry Of Religious Affairs Has Commenced The Selection Process For The Airlines Designated For The 2025 Hajj Pilgrimage

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) has commenced the selection process for air transportation providers for prospective hajj pilgrims for the year 1446 Hijriah/2025 Masehi, with registration opening on Thursday at the office of the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Organization (PHU).

Kemenag has invited eight national airlines from Indonesia and Saudi Arabia to participate. Six airlines attended the meeting and collected the documentation for air transportation provision, namely Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Lion Air, Pelita Air, Saudia Airlines, and Flynas.

"All airlines are invited to participate in the selection to foster healthy competition in providing air transportation for hajj pilgrims," stated Muhammad Zain, the Director of Domestic Hajj Services at Kemenag, in Jakarta on Friday.

Zain noted that the provision process is based on the Minister of Religious Affairs' Decree (KMA) Number 1197 of 2024 regarding the Guidelines for Air Transportation Provision for Hajj Pilgrims in the year 1446 Hijriah/2025. He assured that the provision process would be conducted transparently and accountably. "This year's hajj services must be optimal, better than last year, with an emphasis on improving service quality," he remarked.

Indonesia has been allocated a quota of 221,000 for hajj in 1446 Hijriah/2025, comprising 92 percent regular hajj and 8 percent special hajj.

M Zain mentioned that many prospective hajj pilgrims from Indonesia are elderly, necessitating priority and special services for them during flights.

"The cost of air travel is the largest component of hajj service expenses, so it is essential to achieve greater efficiency and enhanced service," he added.

During the meeting with the airlines, the Directorate General of PHU outlined the administrative, technical pre-operational, and post-operational requirements that must be met to qualify as air transportation providers for prospective hajj pilgrims.

Captain Affandi, a representative from the Directorate of Civil Aviation and Aircraft Operations at the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub), expressed full support for the flight services, covering everything from aircraft provision and flight slot times to oversight during hajj oper.ations.

Tag: Citilink Garuda Indonesia Hajj And Umrah Organization Kemenag Lion Air