Newsroom

BENGKULU, May 18, 2025 — Lion Air announced that the operation of the Intermediate Hajj Embarkation (EHA) service from Bengkulu to Minangkabau International Airport, Padang (PDG), has been successfully completed and ran smoothly. In collaboration with the Bengkulu Provincial Government, the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and various stakeholders, Lion Air operated 8 flights from Fatmawati Soekarno Airport Bengkulu (BKS) to Minangkabau International Airport, carrying a total of 1,644 prospective hajj pilgrims from Bengkulu Province.

All flights were served using modern-generation Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, which offer adequate capacity with up to 215 economy class seats, a comfortable configuration, and compliance with operational safety and comfort standards for hajj flights.

Upon arrival in Padang, the pilgrims continued their journey to Saudi Arabia aboard wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft operated by Lion Air, as part of the extended service to the Holy Land.

The Bengkulu – Padang Intermediate Hajj Embarkation service is a tangible form of Lion Air's commitment to:

• Simplifying the hajj pilgrimage process for people from various regions, including those without a main embarkation point.
• Providing elderly- and disability-friendly services, including special assistance throughout departure and flight procedures.
• Implementing comprehensive standard operating procedures for hajj operations, including manifest checks, health screenings, baggage arrangements, boarding supervision, and orderly coordination upon arrival at the main embarkation point.

In executing the intermediate embarkation service, Lion Air emphasizes “intensive coordination” with the regional hajj organizing committee (PPIH), the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and related agencies. “Aircraft and crew readiness” includes special training for the crew to ensure the best service for hajj pilgrims. “Flight facilities and logistics” cover provisions such as meals at the airport (if needed), scheduling departures in line with the hajj timetable, and secure baggage management.

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