354 Hajj Candidates of Flight Group 1 Departs from Lombok Embarkation

Jakarta, InfoPublik - A total of 355 pilgrims and 5 officers of Hajj flight group 1 and 2 of Lombok Embarkation have departed from Lombok International Airport, West Nusa Tenggara to Jeddah, on Tuesday (8/23).

Of the total 355 pilgrims, one hajj candidate failed to leave due to illness.

General Manager of Angkasa Pura I, I Gusti Ngurah Ardita stated that to prevent acumulation of pilgrims in Lombok Airport terminal, his administration has set Hajj homestead as terminal and has set two units of X Ray, metal detectors as well as deployed officers. Then the pilgrims were dispatched using bus and went straight to the plane without passing through the airport terminal.

"In this year’s pilgrimage we raise the capacity from category 7 to 8, meaning that we can operate a larger aircraft so we need additional facilities and personnel," he said.

In 2016, Lombok Embarkation will dispatch 3,596 pilgrims and 50 Hajj fleet officers which are divided into 11 flight groups, served by Garuda airlines. 

In order to ensure the smoothness of this year’s pilgrims embarkation, Transportation  Ministry has coordinated with relevant agencies, such as Religious Affairs Ministry, PT Angkasa Pura I and Hajj flight operator designated, Garuda Indonesia.

"With good and intensive coordination, it is expected that the process of Hajj arrival and departure this year will be safe, secure, and smooth," said I Gusti Ngurah Ardita. (translator: Siti Chodijah)