South Sumatra Hajj Debarkation Begins, 6,992 Pilgrims to Return Gradually

The return process for Hajj pilgrims from South Sumatra Province officially began on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, with the arrival of the first flight carrying 443 pilgrims from the OKU Timur and Banyuasin Regencies at Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin (SMB) II International Airport, Palembang. The Saudi Airlines flight landed at 06:34 WIB, marking the start of the South Sumatra Hajj debarkation operations, which are scheduled to continue until 24 June 2026.

Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of SMB II Palembang International Airport, stated that all pilgrims in the first group arrived safely and were subsequently transported to the South Sumatra Hajj Dormitory via buses prepared by the committee. “Alhamdulillah, 443 pilgrims from the first group of South Sumatra Province, originating from OKU Timur and Banyuasin, have returned to the homeland after performing the Hajj pilgrimage in the Holy Land,” he said on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.

This year, the Palembang Debarkation is scheduled to facilitate the return of 6,992 pilgrims divided into 16 flight groups. All pilgrims will arrive gradually through SMB II Airport between 2 and 24 June 2026. For SMB II Airport, the Hajj debarkation period represents one of the largest service operations conducted throughout the year. To support the smooth arrival of thousands of pilgrims, PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia has coordinated with various relevant agencies, including the Regional Airport Authority VI, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the TNI/Polri (Military/Police), AirNav Indonesia, Immigration, Customs, the Health Quarantine Office, airlines, and ground handling companies.

Ahmad noted that operational readiness, facilities, and airport services are the primary focus to ensure the return process is safe, orderly, and smooth. “During this year’s Hajj transport period, we have coordinated with all relevant stakeholders and ensured the readiness of operations, facilities, and services at the airport to support the smooth travel of the 16 flight groups of South Sumatra Province pilgrims, from departure until their return to the homeland,” he said.

In addition to ensuring facility and service readiness, the airport is also managing vehicle movement during the debarkation period. Arriving pilgrims are directed straight to buses to be transported to the South Sumatra Hajj Dormitory. Airport management has advised families of the pilgrims not to wait within the airport area during scheduled flight arrivals. Families are encouraged to proceed directly to the Hajj Dormitory or designated pickup locations to avoid traffic congestion. “We urge the families of the Hajj pilgrims not to wait at the airport during flight arrival schedules, but to go directly to the Hajj Dormitory or designated pickup locations to maintain order and the smooth movement of pilgrim transport vehicles and other airport users,” Ahmad added.