MATARAM. Garuda Indonesia is considering serving direct flight between Lombok and Jeddah of Saudi Arabia. Airline's area general manager Dasep Suanda said, demand for air transport in West Nusa Tenggara is high not only for hajj but also for minor hajj pilgrimage.

"Most Muslims here have dream to perform hajj pilgrimage at least once in life time . They would save money for the pilgrimage," Dasep said here on Wednesday.

However, the business potentials in this regions has to be studied first, he said, adding the plan could not be relied only on tourist flights. Garuda has opened no route yet for international flights from Lombok to other countries.

"There are many foreign tourists visiting Lombok, but we have to study demand during non peak season every year. We have to consider condition in winter and summer," he said.

Currently Garuda serves 12 flights every day from the Lombok International Airport-four to Jakarta, three to Bali, one each to Surabaya, Semarang, Makassar, Bima and Sumbawa. Garuda uses Boeing 737-800, Bombardier CRJ, ATR 72 and Airbus 330-300 aircraft specially for hajj pilgrimage.

Editor: Rizki Caturini