SMB Airport resumes direct Palembang-Jeddah umrah flights

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin (SMB) II International Airport in Palembang has resumed direct umrah flights on the Palembang-Jeddah route, operated by Lion Air, after the end of the 2026 Hajj season. General Manager of SMB II International Airport Palembang, Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, stated in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Friday that the inaugural flight took place on Thursday (25/6) using an Airbus A330 aircraft with flight number JT 76, which departed from SMB II Airport Palembang at 13:35 WIB. On the inaugural flight, Lion Air carried 391 umrah pilgrims to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The direct flight service is expected to provide ease, comfort, and travel time efficiency for the people of South Sumatra and surrounding areas who wish to perform the umrah pilgrimage without having to transit at other airports. The airport has prepared all operational and service aspects to support the smooth running of these international flights. He expressed hope that the direct flight service will further facilitate the people of South Sumatra and nearby regions in performing umrah, while also strengthening the role of SMB II Airport as an international connectivity gateway in the southern Sumatra region. During the period from June to the end of July 2026, Lion Air has scheduled nine direct flights on the Palembang-Jeddah route. The presence of this service provides a more practical travel alternative for the community in the region. SMB II Airport, together with Lion Air and stakeholders, is committed to continuously improving the quality of international flight services, particularly in supporting the community’s pilgrimage travel needs.