Dubai: UAE carriers have increased their services to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan, when large numbers of pilgrims fly to Makkah and Madina to perform Umrah.
Emirates is adding 129 services to and from Saudi Arabia in August, September and October as it experiences high demand for travel to the kingdom throughout its network.
Etihad Airways said it will also increase capacity on its Abu Dhabi to Jeddah route until September 12. It currently has 28 flights per week, but it did not specify the number of additional flights.
Airports
Saudi Arabia's main airports in Jeddah and Riyadh will handle the extra flights during Ramadan and Eid, the festival that marks the end of the month of fasting.
Ramadan is the only occasion when a devotee rush is expected other than during the Haj — the pilgrimage that every Muslim is required to perform at least once during their lifetime.
Ease flow
"The additional services will help ease the flow of traffic and offer more options to those wishing to travel for both religious and leisure purposes," said Ahmad Khoury, senior vice-president of regional commercial operations at Emirates.
Emirates received permission from the Saudi authorities to operate a portion of these flights for Umrah passengers and the remainder of the flights as regular traffic.
Its new flights will be operated with a mix of A330 and Boeing 777 aircraft, operating in either two- or three-class configurations.
Etihad said it will operate its extra flights with two- and three-class Airbus A330s or A320s.
Hareb Al Muhairi, Etihad Airways vice-president of sales in the UAE said, "The additional flights from Abu Dhabi to Jeddah will cater to the great demand from Umrah travellers during Ramadan and will significantly enhance the travel options for Muslim communities throughout our network.
Etihad launched its service from Abu Dhabi to Riyadh with eight flights per week in December 2004.
Ba reduces its fares
British Airways is also looking to increase business by positioning itself as a likely option for Ramadan traffic in the region and beyond.
The airline is reducing fares for travel to Europe and the US starting today and extending until the end of March.
Discounted fares are available in Club World business class, World Traveller Plus premium economy and World Traveller economy cabins.
Additionally, this winter will see increased services to Riyadh and Dubai to six per week and three per day, respectively.
Paolo De Renzis, British Airways Area Commercial Manager, Middle East, said, "British Airways is happy to be offering all of its customers great value for money during a time of increased capacity and growth in the market."
