By Mohamed Attia
The official Hajj travel season kicks off this evening as EgyptAir begins its massive operation to transport approximately 67,000 pilgrims to the Holy Land.
According to Chairman of EgyptAir Airlines Mohamed Alian, the airline has scheduled 277 outbound flights, with 127 heading to Medina and 150 to Jeddah. These flights will accommodate a wide range of travellers, including 25,200 selected through the Ministry of Interior’s lottery, as well as thousands more from social solidarity programmes, tourism agencies, and international transit passengers.
This departure phase is scheduled to continue through May 21, with specialised ticket offices across Cairo remaining open to assist all categories of travellers.
In a major move to improve the travel experience, a new “no luggage” service is being introduced at Jeddah Airport following its successful implementation in Medina.
This initiative is the result of close coordination between the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Social Solidarity, and service agents in Saudi Arabia.
The service allows pilgrims to travel with peace of mind while their bags are delivered directly to their hotels upon arrival. Furthermore, in the second phase of the programme, luggage will be collected from their accommodations after the completion of Hajj rituals in preparation for the return trip.
To ensure everything runs smoothly, EgyptAir has deployed additional staff to airports in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, while passport officers and medical teams will travel on return flights to expedite arrival procedures.
Chairman of Cairo Airport Company Magdy Ishaq confirmed that extensive measures have been implemented at the capital’s airport to ensure passenger comfort.
A large, 1,000-square-metre air-conditioned tent has been constructed in front of the seasonal terminal, offering a climate-controlled waiting area for up to 500 people.
This facility is equipped with hotel-style seating and essential services to support pilgrims before they enter the terminal.
Inside, check-in counters will now open four hours before flight departures to prevent overcrowding, and dedicated gates and lanes have been established specifically for those traveling for Hajj to streamline the flow of traffic.
The preparations are not limited to the capital, as regional airports are also playing a vital role in this year’s plan under the leadership of Captain Wael El-Nashar.
Luxor International Airport is set to operate 13 flights, while Aswan International Airport will handle three, providing convenient departure points for pilgrims living in Upper Egypt.
Across all locations, medical teams, ambulances, and firefighting equipment are available 24/7 to handle any emergencies.
Through this comprehensive operational plan, the Egyptian government and its aviation authorities aim to provide a safe, organised, and dignified journey for every pilgrim.
