TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Garuda Indonesia is strengthening its senior-friendly 2026 Hajj flights by prioritizing safety, fleet reliability, and improving services to meet the increasing proportion of elderly pilgrims this year.
Garuda Indonesia President Director Glenny Kairupan stated that the airline is ready to welcome the commencement of Hajj flight operations for 1447 Hijri/2026 on April 21, having strengthened its overall operational readiness.
"We are emphasizing flight safety, fleet reliability, and strengthening senior-friendly services, in line with the increasing proportion of elderly pilgrims this year," said Glenny in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.
The airline ensures that all operational preparations are carried out in an integrated manner, from the fleet, flight crew, and ground services to a safe, comfortable, and inclusive flight experience for all pilgrims.
This year's service enhancements are focused on meeting the needs of elderly pilgrims, who number around 18,000, or approximately 18 percent of the total number of pilgrims served, as well as pilgrims with special needs.
The state-owned airline is providing more adaptive and inclusive services, from mobility assistance on the ground and in the air to strengthening the role of cabin crew in ensuring the comfort and convenience of pilgrims during flights.
"This is part of our commitment to providing Hajj services that are not only safe, but also empathetic and convenient for all pilgrims," Glenny continued.
As part of this service enhancement, Garuda Indonesia has prepared various supporting facilities, including wheelchairs at every embarkation point, ambulifts at the Jakarta and Solo embarkation points, pilgrim buses with restroom facilities, use of jet bridges at several embarkation points, special baggage handling services, and buggy car facilities at King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Cabin crew are also on standby to provide intensive assistance during the flight, especially for elderly and disabled pilgrims.
To enhance comfort during long-haul flights, Garuda Indonesia provides catering services consisting of two full meals and one snack, complemented by in-flight entertainment and the availability of portable bidets in the aircraft lavatories.
In addition to fleet and service readiness, Garuda Indonesia is also ensuring the readiness of its human resources by deploying more than 1,085 flight crew members, consisting of 731 cabin crew and 354 cockpit crew, as well as 139 Hajj ground staff to support the smooth mobilization of pilgrims at all embarkation points.
During this year's Hajj season, Garuda Indonesia will serve at least 102,502 prospective pilgrims, divided into 278 flight groups (kloters) from 10 embarkation points: Jakarta, Banda Aceh, Medan, Padang, Solo, Yogyakarta, Balikpapan, Banjarmasin, Makassar, and Lombok.
The departure of pilgrims will be carried out in stages from April 21 to May 21, 2026, with departures to Medina from April 21 to May 6, 2026, and to Jeddah from May 7 to 21, 2026. The return phase is scheduled for June 1 to 30, 2026.
The inaugural flight will begin with the departure of the first group from Yogyakarta on Tuesday (April 21) at 11:40 PM WIB, flight number GA 6501, using an Airbus A330-300.
Glenny added that various preparations and government support, amidst the dynamics of aviation fuel prices, have ensured that the cost of this year's Hajj pilgrimage remains stable.
"The success of Hajj operations is the result of close collaboration across the ecosystem, from regulators and airport authorities to all operational lines of the Garuda Indonesia Group, from aircraft maintenance and catering services to cargo support," he said.
To support this year's Hajj operations, Garuda Indonesia has prepared 15 wide-body aircraft, consisting of eight owned and seven leased aircraft. These include six Boeing 777-300ERs, six Airbus A330-300s, and three Airbus A330-900neos.
The entire fleet comprises a relatively competitive generation of aircraft optimized for long-haul flights and is ensured to be in prime condition through the implementation of multi-layered maintenance procedures under the Aircraft Health Program.
"This includes meeting certification from the Saudi Arabian aviation authority as a primary prerequisite for Hajj operations," he said.
Read: Hajj Minister Admits Panic over Surging 2026 Hajj Flight Costs
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