Inp.polri.go.id - Medan. Citilink, a subsidiary of state-owend Garuda Indonesia, has inaugurated its direct flight route from Kualanamu International Airport to Jeddah, starting Sunday (28/7/2024).

The new route aims to meet the growing demand for umrah travel, particularly from North Sumatra, according to antaranews.com. 

Kedar Deshpande, the Director of Commercial and Business Development at PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi, welcomed the launch, emphasizing its benefits for local umrah pilgrims.

The inaugural flight was marked by a traditional water salute at Kualanamu, with Citilink’s Boeing A330-900 NEO carrying 358 passengers to Jeddah and 360 passengers on the return flight.

With the increase in umrah pilgrims—38,224 in 2023, up by 36.54% from 2022—the new route provides a streamlined travel experience, including connections for domestic and international travelers.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)