The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia Discusses The Utilization Of Taif Airport For Hajj And Umrah

ANTARA/HO-Humas Kemenhub

The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia Discusses The Utilization Of Taif Airport For Hajj And Umrah

Monday, 09 Jun 2025

The Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenhub RI) in collaboration with the Taif International Airport Authority in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, is discussing the utilization of the international airport to accommodate Indonesian pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah.

"Technically, Taif Airport can be used for Indonesian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims," stated the Minister of Transportation (Menhub) of the Republic of Indonesia, Dudy Purwagandhi, as reported in Jakarta on Monday.

The Minister made this statement during a meeting between members of the Amirul Hajj Indonesia 2025 and the Taif International Airport Authority in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday (June 8).

The meeting focused on the potential use of Taif Airport for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from Indonesia. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to distribute the flow of arrivals and provide a more efficient alternative route to Makkah.

Furthermore, the Minister expressed hope that the use of Taif Airport would enhance the comfort of the pilgrims.

"The Taif Airport will serve as an alternative for the Hajj/Umrah airport alongside Jeddah and Madinah to alleviate congestion. Furthermore, the distance from Taif Airport to Makkah is not too far, only 70 km," stated the Minister of Transportation.

The Minister of Transportation announced that for the first time this Hajj season, Taif Airport has been utilized by special Hajj pilgrims from Indonesia. A total of 44 special Hajj pilgrims from Indonesia arrived at Taif International Airport on Wednesday (28/5).

"The arrival at Taif Airport marks an important milestone in the effort to diversify the entry routes for Hajj pilgrims into Saudi Arabia," he remarked.

Additionally, members of the Amirul Hajj Indonesia who were present at the meeting included the Special Advisor to the President for Hajj Affairs Muhadjir Effendy; the Head of the Hajj Financial Management Agency Fadlul Imansyah; the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Romo KH R Muhammad Syafi'i; the Rector of IPB University Arif Satria; and the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia Yusron B. Ambary.