Source: Emirates. Emirates will supplement existing flights to Jeddah and Madinah to facilitate Hajj travels. |
Emirates will be operating 33 additional flights to Jeddah and Madinah from 6 to 31 August to support the journey for pilgrims expected to travel to Makkah for the Hajj period. These services will run in parallel with Emirates’ regularly-scheduled services to Jeddah and Madinah, and are available to travellers holding a valid Hajj visa.
This year, top inbound destinations in the Asia Pacific region that Emirates is expecting Hajj pilgrims to come from include Pakistan, Australia, and Indonesia.
Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior VP, Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Iran said: “Hajj 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, UAE, the Emirates hub, the airline has a dedicated airport team whose purpose is to seamlessly facilitate the passenger ground experience for Hajj. In addition, dedicated check-in and transfer counters will be set up for Hajj 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 Hajj. Extra provisions will be made to accommodate Hajj traveller needs such as performing ablutions (الوضوء), advising passengers about al miqat and ihram* and other arrangements that will help ease their journey. Emirates’ award winning ice system will also feature a Hajj video that covers safety, Hajj formalities and information about performing the Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims will also be able to tune into the Holy Quran channel.
On flights from Jeddah, Hajj passengers can bring up to 5 litres of holy water (Zamzam [زمزم] water) which will be placed in special areas in the cargo hold. As with all Emirates flights, Hajj passengers will enjoy a generous Emirates baggage allowance of up to 35 kg in Economy Class, 40 kg in Business Class and 50 kg in First Class.
*Miqat (ميقات) refer to specific physical points before which the pilgrim must enter the state of ihram (إحرام). Ihram refers to a spiritual state prior to performing the Hajj or umrah pilgrimages.