Hajj Minister Studies Dhoho Airport as East Java Hajj Embarkation Point

Surabaya (ANTARA) - The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, is evaluating the utilisation of Dhoho Airport in Kediri, East Java, as a Hajj embarkation point to reduce congestion at Juanda Airport and the Surabaya Hajj Dormitory.

Speaking at the Surabaya Hajj Dormitory on Wednesday, Irfan Yusuf stated that his team has coordinated efforts to activate Dhoho Airport as an alternative embarkation site, as it is deemed to have adequate capacity.

“This morning, my team and I coordinated to attempt to activate Dhoho Airport in Kediri. The airport is sufficient and very suitable for Hajj flights, especially for large aircraft,” he said.

He explained that the use of Dhoho Airport is expected to reduce the operational burden on the Surabaya Hajj Dormitory and the congestion at Juanda International Airport, which has traditionally served as the primary embarkation point for pilgrims from East Java.

He noted that the high intensity of services has even impacted the well-being of staff, mentioning that the Head of the Surabaya Hajj Dormitory Unit Technical Implementation Office (UPT) recently required hospital treatment due to the heavy workload during Hajj operations.

“God willing, we will later redirect a portion of the operations to Dhoho Airport in Kediri,” he added.

Irfan further noted that the national Hajj operations for 2026 have been closed, and all levels of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah are beginning preparations for the 2027 Hajj season.

According to him, various evaluations will be conducted, including the restructuring of embarkation points and the improvement of service quality to ensure better Hajj administration next year.