Airports and airlines get ready for Haj rush

Dec 11, 2006 04:12:12

Airports and airlines get ready for Haj rush By Ivan Gale, Staff Reporter Dubai: Authorities at UAE airports and air carriers are making final preparations for the upcoming rush of travellers passing through as part of the annual Haj. Some 55,000 pilgrims are expected to depart from Dubai International Airport to Saudi Arabia, said Nasser Kajoor, general manager of public relations and chairman of the Hajj Committee at Department of Civil Aviation (DCA). Islam requires able-bodied Muslims with the means to do so to make a pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in their life time. According to Kajoor, about 35,000 pilgrims would be transit passengers, while the remaining 20,000 would be from within the UAE. Dedicated counters Additionally, 8,000 to 9,000 pilgrims within the UAE are expected to fly with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi and Air Arabia in Sharjah. To accommodate the jump in traffic, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Emirates airlines will operate an additional 21 flights between December 16 and 21 to Jeddah and Madinah, according to the DCA Haj Committee. In Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways will increase its flight frequency to Jeddah and Madinah. In addition to its regular service, Etihad will have additional flights to Jeddah on December 23 and 27, and extra flights to Madinah on December 19 and 27, according to a company spokesman. Dubai DCA yesterday said it will dedicate separate check-ins for passengers of Emirates and Saudi Arabian Airlines. "There would be dedicated counters at the immigration point while special gates would also be announced for passengers to board from," said Abdullah Al Najjar, manager, events and ceremonies at DCA's protocol and public relations directorate. He added that more golf carts would be employed to help pilgrims, many of whom are elderly. Paramedical staff would be available round the clock during the season. Pilgrims on their way to Saudi Arabia will be given gifts, including a small umbrella, religious books and guidelines, and prayer carpet. More parking Upon their return, another complimentary bag containing gifts for their well-wishers will include the holy water of ZamZam. DCA will also open more parking spaces during the Haj travel period by shifting employee parking from Car Park B to the new Car Park D. Preparation: Additional flights to meet demands Emirates Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines will operate an additional 21 flights between December 16 to 21 to Jeddah and Madinah. In Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways have additional flights to Jeddah on December 23 and 27, and extra flights to Madinah on December 19 and 27. Air Arabia in Sharjah will also carry pilgrims.