DUBAI, 24 June 2022: With the robust demand for air travel during Hajj, Emirates is deploying extra flights to ensure connectivity for pilgrims making their way to the Holy City of Makkah.
Emirates will deploy 31 additional flights to Jeddah and double daily flights to Medina from 23 June to 20 July to help transport pilgrims to carry out one of the key pillars of Islam. These services will run in parallel with Emirates’ regularly scheduled services.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has dramatically expanded its Hajj participation to nearly a million pilgrims this year. Emirates has seen strong demand for Hajj travel from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Turkey, Egypt, Ethiopia, Malaysia, the UK, US, UAE and Algeria.
The special services are available to travellers holding a valid Hajj visa. Pilgrims must also be 65 or under, have a valid vaccination certificate with a vaccine authorised by the Saudi Ministry of Health, and must also carry a negative PCR test done within 72 hours of departure.
A pilgrim-centric experience with Emirates
Given the significance of the once-in-a-lifetime Hajj experience, the airline’s teams have been working hard to ensure that every detail of the pilgrim’s experience is aligned with the tenets of their faith.
On the ground in Dubai, Emirates has a special Hajj airport team to help manage check-in, and transfers, to help facilitate a seamless and convenient on-ground experience for Hajj pilgrims. Emirates has also set up dedicated check-in and transfer counters for Hajj passengers transiting in Dubai. For Hajj travellers having a long layover in Dubai before continuing to Jeddah or Medina, dedicated teams are on hand to escort those groups and support them on all of their arrival formalities.
From the moment pilgrims step onto the aircraft, a range of initiatives have been planned in keeping with the values and traditions of the Hajj journey.
Extra provisions to accommodate Hajj traveller needs such as ablution cleansing rituals, unperfumed towels, and advising passengers. At the same time, en route to Jeddah about, when they have entered Al Miqat zones (state of sanctity) and changing of Ihram robes through special PAs, other arrangements have been planned to ease their journey and ready them for the rest of their pilgrimage. Emirates’ award-winning ice system will also feature a special Hajj video that covers safety, general formalities and information about performing the Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims will also be able to tune into the Holy Quran channel and other religious content.
On flights from Jeddah, passengers can check in up to 5 litres of holy water (Zamzam), which will be placed in special areas in the cargo hold.
For more information visit: www.emirates.com
(Your Stories: Emirates)
