By Mohamed Attia
EgyptAir is set to commence the return phase for pilgrims from the Holy Lands starting next Thursday, continuing until July 5. The company plans to operate 274 flights, with 141 flights from Jeddah and 133 from Medina.
EgyptAir successfully completed the departure phase for pilgrims on June 11, transporting over 60,000 pilgrims on 241 flights—141 to Jeddah and 100 to Medina.
The airline has urged its customers to follow specific guidelines for their return journey. Key recommendations include arriving at the Jeddah Pilgrims City and Medina Airport six hours before departure. Passengers are allowed two checked bags, each not exceeding 23 kilograms, and one carry-on bag up to 8 kilogrammes. Additional weight will incur extra charges. Passengers are also permitted to carry an authorised Zamzam water bottle, but cloth bags and sacks are strictly prohibited. Compliance with health regulations and presenting required certificates are mandatory.
Minister of Civil Aviation’s Directives
Mohamed Abbas Helmy, Minister of Civil Aviation, has directed that all necessary measures be taken to ensure the services and facilities provided to pilgrims during the return phase from Saudi airports to Egyptian airports. This is to guarantee smooth flight operations and regular scheduling. He emphasised that the Ministry of Civil Aviation operates under a comprehensive and precise plan, coordinated with all relevant parties, to provide all necessary facilities for pilgrims at Cairo International Airport and other Egyptian airports during their return.
Guinean Praise for National Carrier
Amadou Oury Bah, Prime Minister of Guinea, along with the Guinean Foreign Minister and the State Minister for Religious Affairs, praised EgyptAir for transporting Conakry pilgrims directly to the Holy Lands this year after a 12-year absence from the Guinean market. Guinean officials expressed their happiness with EgyptAir’s return, lauding the excellent service provided to Conakry pilgrims on EgyptAir’s Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and highlighting the national carrier’s role in strengthening Egypt’s relations with African countries.
Company Leadership Statements
Yehia Zakaria, Chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company, stated that transporting over 15,000 pilgrims from Guinea and Mali to and from Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage underscores the national carrier’s leadership within Africa. EgyptAir, the first airline in Africa and the seventh globally, was established on May 7, 1932. Zakaria expressed his pleasure at the trust placed in EgyptAir by the governments of Guinea and Mali, affirming the airline’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities and meet customer needs worldwide, especially during the Hajj season.
Mohamed Moussa, Chairman and CEO of EgyptAir Airlines, reiterated the company’s dedication to serving African pilgrims travelling on its flights for the pilgrimage, whether on regular routes, special flights, or via transit. Moussa noted that the return phase for Guinean pilgrims from Jeddah to Conakry will start on June 22 and continue until July 5. The return phase for Malian pilgrims from Jeddah to Bamako will run from June 22 to July 3. Both routes will utilise EgyptAir’s state-of-the-art Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner, known for its comfort and luxury, accommodating 309 passengers.
Cairo Airport Preparations
Cairo Airport Company has completed all necessary preparations for the return phase of pilgrims in the seasonal hall designated for EgyptAir and Terminal 2 for Saudi Airlines flights. The preparations include allocating teams from the Public Relations Department of Cairo Airport Company and EgyptAir to work around the clock in the arrival halls, assisting pilgrims at passport control, providing adequate luggage handling staff, and passenger service personnel to welcome returning pilgrims. Additionally, sufficient wheelchairs for individuals with special needs and senior citizens, as well as self-service baggage carts, have been made available.
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