Airlines warned against violating Haj regulations

Riyadh: The Saudi Arabian Civil Aviation Authority has urged airline companies operating Haj services to adhere to regulations issued by the authority with regard to offering the best possible services to pilgrims.

In a press briefing, the authority warned that punitive measures will be taken against those airlines which violate these regulations.

"All airlines should be prompt in ensuring that their flights are on time while bringing in pilgrims as well as in taking them home after the annual Haj pilgrimage. No lapses in time schedules of arrival or departures from King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah will be tolerated without genuine reasons," the statement said, adding that in such cases, the airline companies shall be solely responsible for making arrangements to ensure the safe return of the stranded pilgrims, in coordination with their respective agents in the kingdom.

"The airlines should also provide meals and accommodation for the pilgrims until their departure," the statement said.

The authority has also set conditions for agents to get a Haj operation licence. Applications for licences should be submitted before September 19. Additional fees will be levied for applications submitted after this deadline, it said.

Smooth transportation

The statement noted that all these regulations and conditions are the outcome of the keenness of the government of Saudi Arabia in facilitating the smooth transportation of Haj pilgrims so that they can perform their obligatory ritual in comfort. Abdullah Al Rahimi, chairman of the authority, said, in a statement, that all these directives were being issued in coordination with the Haj related agencies and departments in order to offer excellent services to Haj pilgrims.

"Every year, about 90 per cent of Haj pilgrims arrive in the kingdom by air. The kingdom is keen to ensure that the arrival and departure of these pilgrims will be undertaken smoothly and as per schedule," he said adding that the aviation authorities will be vigilant in ensuring pilgrims do not remain stranded at Saudi Arabian airports.