Minister of Transportation Provides Explanation for Numerous Flight Delays

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The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) has addressed the ongoing issue of flight delays, attributing them to the imbalance between the growing number of passengers and the availability of aircraft.

The ministry acknowledges the concerns raised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) regarding delays and schedule changes in Hajj flights operated by PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (GIAA) and Saudia Airlines.

Saiful Mujab, the Director of Domestic Hajj Services at Kemenag, emphasizes that the delays have affected both Garuda Indonesia and Saudia Airlines flights. He urges the airlines to improve their communication with passengers, providing timely updates on any changes or delays, and encourages them to adopt a more proactive approach in resolving such issues.

Adita Irawati, the spokesperson for Kemenhub, explains that the persistence of flight delays in both regular and Hajj flights is primarily due to the disparity between the increasing number of passengers and the limited aircraft fleet. Despite the recovery in passenger numbers, the current fleet size remains lower than the pre-pandemic period, causing operational constraints.

She points out that the scarcity of aircraft spare parts is a global challenge affecting various airlines, not just in Indonesia. Adita highlights the impact of reduced manufacturing activities during the pandemic, leading to limited spare part availability. She underscores the need for airlines to adapt their maintenance and replacement procedures in light of these limitations, as delayed aircraft replacements can disrupt the overall flight operations.

The Ministry of Transportation acknowledges that flight delays have become a widespread concern internationally, affecting airlines worldwide. Recognizing the complexity of the issue, Kemenhub aims to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to find sustainable solutions, such as exploring alternative approaches to aircraft maintenance, optimizing fleet utilization, and encouraging investments in the aviation industry to enhance capacity.

In response to the challenges faced, Kemenhub is committed to working closely with airlines, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to address the root causes of flight delays and ensure a smoother travel experience for passengers. The ministry aims to strike a balance between passenger demand and the availability of aircraft, implementing strategies that can effectively mitigate delays and improve overall flight punctuality.

By emphasizing the need for collaboration and proactive measures, the Ministry of Transportation aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the aviation sector, promoting a seamless travel experience and meeting the growing demands of passengers in Indonesia and beyond.