The governments of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia are expanding cooperation in the aviation sector, a move that will significantly enhance travel convenience. This includes agreeing to add new flight routes between them and vice versa, opening up more options for travel and trade.
Through the exchange of diplomatic notes, the Ministry of Transportation proposed changes to agreements related to Air Safety, Aviation Security, and Authorizations and Designation, including the proposal of new routes for commercial flights between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
Then, in this year’s amendment, flight routes from all international airports in Saudi Arabia can land at airports in Indonesia, including Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, and Denpasar.
In addition, the Minister of Transportation also asked for support for Garuda Indonesia to increase the time slot during the Hajj season and move the terminal from the Hajj Terminal to Terminal 1 at King Abdulaziz-Jeddah International Airport.
“We believe that if this is done, this year’s Hajj flights will be more manageable,” said Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi.
Saudi Arabia allows Umrah to use tourist visas
The Saudi Arabian government has taken a significant step towards inclusivity by granting Umrah permits to all visa holders, including tourist visas.
This change is designed to support the Vision 2030 initiative launched by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and to cater to the diverse needs of travelers.
President of APAC Markets Saudi Tourism Authority, Alhasan Aldabbagh, at the opening of the first tourism exhibition titled Visit Saudi, Beyond Umrah at Kota Kasablanka Mall, Jakarta, May 1, 2024, said that tourist visas would facilitate the Umrah travel of Indonesian residents to Saudi Arabia.
He explained the difference between an Umrah visa and a tourist visa, where the Umrah visa is valid only for three months or 90 days.
The tourist visa is valid for one year with multiple entries, making it easier for tourists.
