Anticipating Disruptions to 2026 Hajj Flights, Transport Minister Prepares Alternative Routes

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi is preparing alternative routes as a mitigation measure to anticipate potential disruptions on the main flight paths for Hajj pilgrims in 1447H/2026. “We are also preparing alternative routes as a mitigation step if disruptions occur on the main flight paths,” said Minister Dudy in an official statement on Wednesday (22/4/2026). “All aircraft used have undergone ramp inspections and are declared airworthy, ensuring flight safety aspects are guaranteed,” he added. During the inspection of the first batch departure of Hajj pilgrims alongside the Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf and the Minister of Immigration and Community Affairs Agus Andrianto, the Transport Minister stated that the 2026 Hajj transport operations have been meticulously prepared. This terminal is equipped with Mecca Route services that expedite Saudi Arabian immigration processes at Indonesian embarkation points. Ten immigration counters are provided to ensure the departure process runs more quickly and comfortably for pilgrims. On this occasion, the government released the Banten 1 batch of 393 pilgrims using flight GA 7302 to Madinah. Hajj flights from Terminal 2F are served by Garuda Indonesia and Saudia Airlines. In 2026, the government is mobilising more than 221,000 Hajj pilgrims departing from 14 Hajj embarkation airports across Indonesia via 525 flight batches. Dudy also sent off the first batch of Hajj pilgrims from the Kertajati embarkation in Majalengka Regency, West Java. A total of 441 Hajj pilgrims departed in the first batch out of 17,460 pilgrims scheduled from Kertajati embarkation. On that occasion, the Transport Minister conveyed messages to the Kertajati embarkation pilgrims to follow all travel procedures properly, smoothly, safely, and successfully. “We hope your journey, Sir and Madam, proceeds smoothly, arriving safely in the Holy Land to perform the Hajj pilgrimage without hindrance,” he said.