Hajj Minister Demands Timeliness from Garuda and Saudia: 'No Delays in Pilgrim Repatriation'

Minister of Religious Affairs, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has called on both Garuda Indonesia and Saudia Airlines to maintain punctuality in their Hajj flight operations. Speaking in Jeddah on Sunday evening (May 31, 2026), the minister, often referred to as Gus Irfan, emphasized the critical need to prevent any unnecessary delays in the repatriation of Hajj pilgrims back to Indonesia.

"I also urge the two airlines, both Saudia there and Garuda here, to maintain on-time performance and avoid unnecessary delays. Especially delays that cause flights to be postponed by days, as has happened before," Gus Irfan stated at King Abdulaziz Airport. His remarks come in the wake of past incidents where significant delays disrupted the travel plans of pilgrims.

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I also urge the two airlines, both Saudia there and Garuda here, to maintain on-time performance and avoid unnecessary delays. Especially delays that cause flights to be postponed by days, as has happened before.

During his address, Gus Irfan also conveyed his appreciation to the Hajj pilgrims for their orderly conduct throughout the pilgrimage. He extended thanks to the Hajj organizing committee and all relevant stakeholders, including those in the aviation sector, for their contributions. The Minister was present to personally see off the first group of pilgrims returning to Indonesia.

Reflecting on the pilgrims' experiences, Gus Irfan shared that many expressed happiness with the services provided. "Alhamdulillah, they are very happy and joyful with our services. We were tasked by the president to provide the best service for the pilgrims, and we have strived to fulfill that mandate. Alhamdulillah, the pilgrims can feel our efforts," he said. He attributed the successful service delivery to the collective hard work of the Ministry of Religious Affairs team, officials across all regions, and various supporting ministries and institutions.

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Alhamdulillah, they are very happy and joyful with our services. We were tasked by the president to provide the best service for the pilgrims, and we have strived to fulfill that mandate. Alhamdulillah, the pilgrims can feel our efforts.