By Mohamed Attia
EgyptAir is set to complete the departure phase for this year’s Hajj pilgrims on Monday, transporting a total of 60,000 pilgrims from various groups, including those from public lotteries, social solidarity programmes, tourism companies, and associations, as well as transit and special flight pilgrims. The national carrier will have operated 241 flights, with 141 to Jeddah and 100 to Medina.
The departure ceremony for the first groups of pilgrims was attended by key figures including Aviation Minister Mohamed Abbas Helmy, Minister of Endowments Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa, Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine el-Qabbaj, and Assistant Minister of Interior for Administrative Affairs and Head of the Official Hajj Mission, Mostafa Hussein. The event, held at Cairo International Airport’s seasonal flights terminal, featured readings from the Qur’an by Sheikh Ahmed Naina.
Minister Helmy emphasised the comprehensive efforts of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and its affiliates to facilitate the pilgrims’ journey, ensuring a smooth and comfortable travel experience, particularly for the elderly and those with special needs. He praised the collaboration with Saudi authorities and various ministries to serve the pilgrims effectively.
Minister Gomaa highlighted the spiritual significance of Hajj, describing it as a divine invitation. He mentioned that the official mission includes 35 imams and scholars to guide the pilgrims and urged the pilgrims to focus on worship and prayer, especially for the elderly and disabled.
Minister el-Qabbaj noted that the social solidarity mission includes 7,500 pilgrims, selected from 23,500 applicants through a transparent process. She acknowledged the role of the National Foundation for Facilitating Hajj for their efficient service and cost management. She also mentioned that this year, the ministry is hosting 295 colleagues from medical missions and other partner ministries.
El-Qabbaj assured that high-quality accommodations have been secured in Mecca and Medina and that transport arrangements in Saudi Arabia have been made to ease the pilgrims’ journey. Each group of 46 pilgrims will have a dedicated supervisor to assist them.
Assistant Minister Mostafa Hussein commended EgyptAir’s performance and the efficient operation of its flights, mentioning that over 15,000 pilgrims from the Ministry of Interior’s lottery will be transported. He emphasised the Ministry’s readiness to support the pilgrims with medical and logistical services in coordination with the Ministry of Health.
EgyptAir CEO Mohamed Moussa expressed the company’s commitment to resolving any issues that may arise during the pilgrims’ travel. He highlighted the company’s efforts to ensure a comfortable journey for the pilgrims, from departure in Egypt to arrival in Jeddah and Medina.
Moussa added that EgyptAir plans to operate 274 return flights, with 141 from Jeddah and 133 from Medina, starting from June 20 to July 5, 2024.
At the end of the ceremony, the ministers and officials handed out free travel vouchers to two of the eldest pilgrims and conducted a draw for additional prizes, including partial ticket refunds and extra baggage allowances. The Ministry of Social Solidarity also awarded cash prizes to five pilgrims.
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