Dubai: Emirates is offering extra flights next month to Jeddah and Madina to accommodate the large stream of pilgrims heading to and from Saudi Arabia to perform Haj.
Emirates will be operating 33 additional flights to Jeddah and Madina from August 6 to 31 to support the journey for pilgrims expected to travel to Makkah. The flights will run in parallel with Emirates’ regularly scheduled services to Jeddah and Madina and will be available to travellers holding a valid Haj visa.
Emirates said in a press release on Thursday it is expecting the bulk of Haj pilgrims to come from Pakistan, Senegal, the United States, the UK, Australia, Indonesia, the Ivory Coast and Nigeria. Adil Al Gaith, Emirates’ senior vice-president, Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Iran, said: “Haj travel is an extraordinary journey for Muslims which leaves them with a lifetime of memorable experiences, and we expect over 25,000 pilgrims to travel with Emirates this year. With the significant demand for air travel during this period, Emirates is deploying extra flights to ensure more seamless connections for the scores of pilgrims making their way to the holy city of Makkah. During their journey, we aim to provide our customers with the best experience that is aligned with the pillars of their faith, particularly during this significant period.”
On the ground in Dubai, Emirates has a dedicated airport team whose purpose is to seamlessly facilitate the passenger ground experience for Haj. In addition, dedicated check-in and transfer counters will be set up for Haj passengers transiting in Dubai.
In the air, several initiatives have been planned in keeping with the values and traditions that pilgrims uphold when travelling for Haj. Extra provisions will be made to accommodate Haj traveller needs such as performing ablutions, advising passengers about Al Meeqath (one of the points at which Haj pilgrims are required to put on Ihram, the pilgrim’s garment made up of white cloth) and other arrangements that will help ease their journey. Emirates’ award-winning ‘ice’ system will also feature a special Haj video that covers safety, Haj formalities and information about performing Haj. Pilgrims will also be able to tune into the Holy Quran channel.
On flights from Jeddah, Haj passengers can bring up to five litres of holy water (Zamzam) which will be placed in special areas in the cargo hold. As with all Emirates flights, Haj passengers will enjoy extra generous Emirates baggage allowance of up to 35kg in Economy Class, 40kg in Business Class and 50kg in First Class.
