Indonesia’s airline impending new challenge
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The BBC stated that Saudi Arabia annually welcomes 160,000 Indonesian air travellers making the haj to Mecca.
The New York Times claims over 500,000 Indonesians fly to Saudi Arabia every year for both religious and work-related reasons.
Garuda is Indonesia’s only airline with service to Saudi Arabia, prompting an optimistic Ari Sapari, the carrier’s Director of Operations, to voice his confidence that flights will not be banned.
The airline, which normally offers eight flights per week, added that it is currently peak season for travelling between the two countries, and Garuda had been gearing up to expand its frequency to the Middle East country.
The Indonesian transport ministry said Saudi Arabia generally follows the EU’s lead in aviation issues, and officials have admitted to receiving a warning letter from Saudi aviation authorities yesterday on a possible ban on Indonesian airlines.
The threat, said a Ministry spokesman, was undoubtedly triggered by the EU ban.
However, as the two countries have close diplomatic ties the spokesman said Riyadh has suggested holding direct discussions to explore alternatives and seek a face-saving way out.
He said the Saudis are asking for clarification, and want to directly inspect Garuda’s safety standards. “We will meet with the Saudi Arabian authorities soon.” the Ministry spokesman added.
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