Sharjah Airport receives first pilgrims back from Haj

Sharjah: The Sharjah Airport on Saturday received the first delegation of pilgrims returning to the UAE after performing Haj in Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims arrived on flights from Jeddah, Medina and Taif in Saudi Arabia. The airport expects a continuous flow of pilgrims on both scheduled and non-scheduled flights to Sharjah during this period.

The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) has taken all possible measures to facilitate the pilgrims’ smooth arrival, including coordinating with all airlines and airport operators to expedite arrival procedures, facilitating procedures for transit pilgrims, and making them as comfortable as possible.

A number of airport employees distributed gifts to pilgrims and their families, at the arrivals lounge.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, SAA chairman, congratulated the pilgrims on their safe return and said: “Sharjah Airport has taken every possible measure to ensure the pilgrims are comfortable by expediting procedures and maintaining the highest level of services and facilities, especially for the elderly.”

Shaikh Faisal Bin Saoud Al Qassimi, director of SAA, emphasised that the airport is continually updating and developing its services to keep pace with the steady growth in passenger numbers. This year, the departure and arrival of pilgrims were greatly facilitated by the services.

The returning pilgrims expressed happiness at the welcome they received at Sharjah Airport, and the facilities that expedited their travel process.