Indonesia's aviation industry is welcoming a new commercial airline, Mukhtara Air, which is set to begin operations in January 2026 after completing its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) certification process with the Directorate of Air Transportation.
The airline, owned by Manazil Al Mukhtara Company Holding—a prominent Madinah-based company specializing in hajj, umrah, and international hospitality services—represents a major investment in Indonesia's aviation sector, according to Chairman Sami Al Harbi, and will operate as a full-service carrier offering international-standard service for pilgrims and general passengers.
Operating Director Andik Setiawan confirmed that Mukhtara Air's first Airbus A320 aircraft has arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, featuring a 152-seat configuration with 8 business class and 144 economy class seats, while the airline plans to expand its fleet from the current 2 aircraft to 10 units next year.
Managing Director Winarso explained that the airline will deploy Airbus A330 aircraft for international routes serving Madinah, Makkah, and soon Thaif, while Airbus A320 jets will handle extensive domestic routes including Surabaya, Denpasar, and Kualanamu, functioning as feeder flights to strengthen connectivity between regional airports and international services.
Vice Head of the State-Owned Enterprises Regulatory Agency (BP BUMN) Aminuddin Ma'ruf expressed the Indonesian government's positive reception of this investment in hajj and umrah service sectors, with the airline establishing its headquarters at City Business Center near Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang.
