Garuda Indonesia Achieves Five-Year High OTP in 2026 Hajj Departure Operations
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - State-owned carrier Garuda Indonesia has completed the 2026 Hajj departure operations, which ran from 21 April to 21 May 2026.
The airline recorded an on-time performance (OTP) rate of 98.21%, the highest in five years of Hajj service operations.
For comparison, OTP in 2025 was 96.33%, 2024 at 79.52%, 2023 at 91.15%, and 2022 at 96.88%.
The departure phase concluded with the final flight, GA4117, carrying 360 pilgrims from Solo embarkation kloter 81 to Jeddah on Thursday, 21 May 2026.
“This on-time performance reflects our commitment to ensuring Hajj flights operate optimally, safely, and comfortably for all pilgrims,” said Glenny in a statement on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
“This achievement also presents a challenge for us to maintain consistent service in the next operational phase, particularly as pilgrims prepare to return to Indonesia,” Glenny added.
A total of 5,484 pilgrims departed from Banda Aceh embarkation, 5,972 from Medan, 5,374 from Padang, 12,562 from Jakarta, and 29,039 from Solo.
Meanwhile, 9,288 pilgrims departed from Yogyakarta, 5,842 from Balikpapan, 6,804 from Banjarmasin, 16,728 from Makassar, and 5,862 from Lombok.
Glenny said the successful departure phase was supported by intensive coordination with stakeholders including the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, aviation authorities, regulators, and other relevant parties to ensure optimal operational readiness and service.
The airline is currently preparing for Phase II (Return) of Hajj flight operations, scheduled from 1 to 30 June 2026.
Preparations are ongoing to ensure optimal services for elderly pilgrims, including wheelchair availability, ambulifts at various embarkation points, buggy car services, toilet-equipped pilgrim buses, and cabin crew readiness to accompany pilgrims during flights.
“We will continue monitoring the return phase to ensure all pilgrim return processes to Indonesia proceed smoothly, safely, and comfortably until Hajj flight operations conclude by the end of June,” Glenny stressed.
The departure process was divided into two main waves: Wave 1 to Madinah from 22 April to 6 May 2026, and Wave 2 to Jeddah from 7 to 21 May 2026.
Departure operations began with pilgrims entering Hajj dormitories on 21 April 2026 as an initial step before flying to the Holy Land.
Wave 1 pilgrims were directed to Madinah first to perform the Arbain prayers, while Wave 2 went directly to Jeddah or Mecca to continue Hajj rituals.
Overall, this year’s Hajj departure phase involved a tightly scheduled process to ensure smooth operations and service for all pilgrims before the peak Hajj rituals at Arafah in late May 2026.