Garuda Indonesia Flies Indonesian Cuisine to Support Hajj Pilgrims

RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang - Garuda Indonesia has begun transporting Indonesian culinary logistics to Saudi Arabia, ensuring that this year’s Hajj pilgrims can enjoy familiar flavors while performing their religious journey.

The national airline flew at least 15 tons of ready-to-eat Indonesian meals and spice pastes to Jeddah, marking the first shipment in a larger plan to deliver 230 tons of food supplies.

Garuda Indonesia’s Director of Commerce, Reza Aulia Hakim, explained that the shipments are divided into two phases: April 2–6 and April 17–30, with deliveries to both Jeddah and Madinah.

“Through this collaboration, Garuda Indonesia will gradually send 230 tons of food logistics," Reza said in a written statement from Tangerang, Banten, on Thursday, April 2, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

"This is a concrete step to ensure the comfort of pilgrims, not only through air transport but also by providing proper meals with authentic Indonesian taste in the Holy Land,” Reza added.

The initiative reflects Garuda’s broader operational readiness ahead of this year's Hajj season, which officially begins on April 22. PT Pos Indonesia’s President Director, Daud Joseph, noted that preparations include baggage distribution and ensuring all aircraft are in optimal condition.

Director General for Hajj and Umrah Economic Ecosystem Development at the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Jaenal Effendi, emphasized that organizing a large-scale pilgrimage requires broad support and cross-sector cooperation -- from government agencies, airline operators, logistics providers, and other supporting services.

“This is a major undertaking that demands collaboration across sectors to build an ecosystem that truly benefits the pilgrims,” he said.

The first shipment departed aboard a Boeing 777-300ER, flight GA 980, from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 11:45 a.m. local time and was scheduled to arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 5:40 p.m. local time.

With these efforts, Garuda Indonesia aims to ensure that Indonesian pilgrims not only travel safely but also feel at home through the comfort of familiar meals during their spiritual journey. ***