To support the high travel demand during Hajj season, Emirates has announced expansion of its flight services to Jeddah and Medina. The Dubai-based carrier will be adding 46 additional flights to and from Saudi Arabia. The flights will be operated between July 27 and August 22, 2019.
The additional service will run in tandem with Emirates’ regularly scheduled services to Jeddah and Medina; and will only be available to travellers holding a valid Hajj visa.
Pilgrims from destinations such as Pakistan, the United States, Senegal, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Indonesia, South Africa, and Ivory Coast are expected to avail these additional services by Emirates.
A range of on ground and inflight services will be arranged for Hajj passengers. The airline has set up a dedicated team to manage checkin and transfers. Onboard services include provisions for performing cleansing rituals, extra blankets and unperfumed hot towels among others. Passengers will be notified when they have entered Al Miqat zones to ensure readiness for Ihram (the point when pilgrims enter a state of sanctity).
Emirates will also screen a special video regarding the safety, formalities, and information about performing Hajj pilgrimage.
Adil Al Ghaith, senior vice president, commercial operations, Gulf, Middle East and Iran, Emirates said, “Hajj is one of the most significant events in the Muslim faith, and every year, Emirates’ primary focus is to help facilitate seamless travel for our Hajj passengers as they converge on the Holy City of Mecca for this once in a lifetime journey.
“With the substantial increase of inbound air travel into the Kingdom during this period, Emirates’ 46 extra flights will ensure that we can cater to that demand, as well as provide tailored onboard services in line with the tenets of Hajj.”
Aneri Shroff
