Medan's Inaugural Hajj Flight Group Departs from Kualanamu

Kualanamu Airport has begun serving the embarkation phase for Hajj pilgrims from 22 April to 11 May 2026, with a total of 17 flight groups (kloter). Thirteen kloters will depart for Madinah, while the other four head to Jeddah. The debarkation phase is scheduled for 2–21 June 2026. For this year's Hajj season, Medan Embarkation will serve 5,995 pilgrims, including kloter staff, with an average of 360 people per day. The first kloter from Medan Embarkation departed on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, at 03.10 WIB. The pilgrims consist of 223 from Binjai City and 131 from Medan City, totalling 360 including staff. The Acting Director of Operation and Services at PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi, Dedy Sri Cahyono, stated that his team is committed to providing optimal services through comprehensive operational readiness. According to him, organising Hajj flights is a national mandate that requires strong coordination and high service standards. “We ensure that Kualanamu Airport is ready to serve the entire departure and return process for pilgrims safely, comfortably, and smoothly,” said Dedy on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. In addition to serving as an embarkation and debarkation point, Kualanamu Airport also functions as a strategic technical landing point for national and international Hajj flights. During the operational period, the airport will handle 142 technical landing flights by Garuda Indonesia and 132 by Saudi Arabian Airlines. Dedy mentioned that movement analysis shows operations remain controlled with adequate apron and parking stand capacity. To support smooth services, PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi has mobilised operational and security personnel, such as Airport Security, AMC, Service Team, Security Inspector, and the technical team for safety facilities. Facilities for pilgrim checks at the Medan Hajj Dormitory have also been prepared, including X-ray units, WTMD, and baggage inspection systems. The Kualanamu Airport Hajj Post will operate from 22 April to 21 June 2026 as a centre for integrated service coordination. The company has also prepared contingency plans to anticipate potential disruptions, such as extreme weather, flight delays, and emergency conditions. “We continue to strengthen the role of Kualanamu Airport as a gateway for international connectivity in western Indonesia, as well as a reliable and modern Hajj service hub,” said Dedy. The Secretary General of North Sumatra Province, Sulaiman Harahap, who joined in seeing off Kloter 1, advised pilgrims to uphold the good name of the region while performing their worship. He views the first kloter as a representation of North Sumatra in the Holy Land. “Kloter one is the face of Sumut. What is done there will reflect our region. Remain courteous, disciplined, and maintain solidarity,” said Sulaiman. He also reminded Hajj officials to provide maximum services, especially in health and safety aspects, considering the climate difference between North Sumatra and Saudi Arabia. “Look after and help each other. Officials must be responsive and provide maximum protection,” he said. The Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Ministry of Religious Affairs Hajj Office, Zulkifli Sitorus, assured that all Kloter 1 pilgrims departed complete with no one left behind. “Insha Allah, no one is left behind. May it be an accepted Hajj for men and women,” he said.