Kertajati Airport Ready to Serve Hajj Flights in 2023, Says Indonesia Minister

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has affirmed the readiness of Kertajati Airport in Majalengka district, West Java, to serve Hajj flights in this year.

"There will be around 20 groups or some 7,000 to 8,000 Hajj pilgrims from Subang district and its surroundings that will depart from Kertajati Airport," Sumadi said in a statement on Monday, March 21.

The minister inspected the airport on Sunday, March 19.

The Religious Affairs Ministry has designated Kertajati Airport as one of the Hajj embarkation and debarkation airports.

The pilgrims departing from Kertajati Airport come from Cirebon city and the districts of Cirebon, Majalengka, Indramayu, Kuningan, Subang, and Sumedang. Hajj pilgrims will depart in June.

Also read: Indonesia, Saudi Arabia Seek Ways to Cut Hajj Waiting Time

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia had sent a letter to the Indonesian Transportation Attaché in Jeddah confirming that 21-23 Hajj flights would depart from Kertajati Airport.

In addition to the Hajj pilgrimage, Sumadi revealed that several flight slots are still available at the airport to serve Umrah during the 2023 Idul Fitri period.

"Some 10 days before Idul Fitri, many pilgrims usually want to go to Umrah. At Kertajati Airport, the slots are unlimited, so we can accept whatever it is," he said.

Also read: Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Scheduled to Depart for Saudi Arabia Starting May 24

He noted that the Cileunyi-Sumedang-Dawuan (Cisumdawu) toll road that will become operational since mid-April is expected to expedite people's movement to and from Kertajati Airport.

"With the operation of the Cisumdawu Toll Road, the travel time from Bandung to Kertajati and vice versa is approximately one hour. We hope that Kertajati Airport will be livelier, the Cisumdawu Toll Road will be more crowded, and people around Subang, who will go to the airport or vice versa, will be more comfortable because accessibility is easier," he said.

Source: State News Antara