Newsroom

AMBON, May 22, 2025 — Lion Air announced the successful and smooth execution of Intermediate Hajj Embarkation (EHA) flight services from Maluku Province. Through the EHA mechanism, a total of 1,086 prospective Hajj pilgrims from 9 regencies and 2 cities were successfully transported. The pilgrims came from:

• Regencies: Buru, South Buru, Aru Islands, Tanimbar Islands, Southwest Maluku, Central Maluku, Southeast Maluku, West Seram, East Seram • Cities: Ambon and Tual

They departed from Pattimura Airport, Ambon (AMQ), to the main embarkation point in Makassar, South Sulawesi (UPG), before continuing their journey to the Holy Land.

This service reflects Lion Air's commitment to providing reliable air connectivity to facilitate the movement of pilgrims from island regions to national Hajj embarkation centers.

The EHA flights were operated using modern-generation Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, offering up to 215 economy class seats with a comfortable configuration and compliance with all domestic and international flight operational standards.

Focus on Elderly and Disability-Friendly Services

Lion Air prioritized services that accommodate the elderly and persons with disabilities throughout every stage of the journey, including:

• Provision of mobility assistance such as wheelchairs at departure and transit airports • Assistance by ground crew and cabin crew specially trained to support elderly passengers • Orderly boarding procedures, including priority boarding for passengers with special needs • Seating arrangements that offer comfort and easier cabin access • Proper baggage handling and coordination for Hajj pilgrims

Lion Air extends its gratitude and appreciation for the support and trust from the Maluku Provincial Government, the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, airport operators at Pattimura and Sultan Hasanuddin Airports (Angkasa Pura Indonesia), AirNav Indonesia, and all other involved parties.

This collaboration is a vital part of the successful execution of the Hajj pilgrimage and the development of an inclusive national air transport system that reaches all segments of society, including those in remote island regions.

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