Emirates says it is deploying extra flights for Hajj season after the significant demand from pilgrims making their way to the Holy City of Makkah.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has greatly expanded its Hajj participation this year to nearly a million pilgrims, causing for the demand passanger services to increase.
“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,” said the airlines.
Emirates will be deploying 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,” says the airlines, adding that the special services are available to travellers holding a valid Hajj visa.
Pilgrims, it says, must also be under the age of 65, hold 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.
On the ground in Dubai, Emirates has a special Hajj airport team to help manage check-in, transfers, and helping to facilitate a seamless and convenient on ground experience for Hajj pilgrims.
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, the airlines added.
