YIA Primacy in Serving Hajj Pilgrims' Debarkation for 2026

Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) in Kulon Progo, Special Region of Yogyakarta, served the debarkation process for Hajj pilgrims for the first time on Tuesday since the airport’s official commencement of operations. The arrival of the first flight group (kloter) 01 from Kulon Regency marks the beginning of YIA’s operational role as a full-scale Hajj embarkation and debarkation airport for the 2026 Hajj season.

A total of 357 pilgrims, comprising 351 pilgrims and six flight officials, landed safely at YIA via Garuda Indonesia flight GA 6801 on the Jeddah-Yogyakarta route at 05:32 WIB. The General Manager of Yogyakarta International Airport, Muhammad Thamrin, stated that a special scheme has been prepared to ensure the smooth flow of arrivals.

“The entire process, from document collection at the aircraft door and health checks in the mezzanine area on the second floor to baggage management, has been strictly simulated to ensure the comfort of all pilgrims,” said Thamrin. The service includes document verification by Immigration officers via passport collection at the aircraft door, as well as health screenings by the Yogyakarta Health Quarantine Office (BKK). Once these processes are complete, pilgrims are directed to bus fleets prepared by the local government.

As an emergency medical precaution, the airport has also stationed an integrated medical team directly connected to nearby referral health facilities, such as the Temon Community Health Centre and Wates Regional General Hospital. The welcoming of the first group was conducted solemnly by the management of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia, the Yogyakarta Class I Immigration Office, the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs DIY, and the local government.

Thamrin added that the success of this first group’s debarkation confirms YIA’s position as the main gateway for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages for the people of Yogyakarta and surrounding areas, while proving the airport’s readiness to handle large-scale long-haul flights. The airport management is committed to strengthening coordination with all stakeholders to ensure that the debarkation of subsequent groups remains smooth, orderly, and comfortable for both pilgrims and their families.