By Mohamed Attia
EgyptAir, headed by Eng. Yehia Zakaria, will complete its air bridge for the return of the Egyptian pilgrims from the holy sites next Wednesday as per instructions of Minister of Civil Aviation, Lieutenant General Pilot Mohamed Abbas.
EgyptAir had started its air bridge to transport the pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on June 10, during which it transported 35,000 pilgrims on board 150 flights, at a rate of 78 flights to Jeddah and 72 flights to Medina.
EgyptAir has transported 11,000 lottery pilgrims, 5,300 pilgrims from social solidarity and civil society organiations and associations, 8,600 pilgrims from tourism agencies, and 10,000 pilgrims through transit.
EgyptAir also launched an air bridge to transport 7,400 pilgrims from Bamako in Mali, and 3,000 pilgrims from the Palestinian territories, all on board 31 flights.
EgyptAir started on July 1 the return phase to transport the Egyptian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, on board 176 flights, 101 from Jeddah and 75 from Medina. They included the lottery pilgrims, social solidarity pilgrims, tourism pilgrims, individuals and transit pilgrims.
EgyptAir also operated special flights for the return of the Palestinian and Malian pilgrims on July 9-12, and July 3-17, 2023 respectively.
The Airline Company, headed by Pilot Mohamed Moussa Ali, informed pilgrims, who hold EgyptAir tickets on whom MS is printed, followed by three numbers that their flights would take off from King Abdulaziz Al-Saud International Airport. Pilgrims who hold an EgyptAir ticket and whose return flight consists of MS followed by four numbers, their flights will take off from the city of pilgrims in Jeddah.
The company also stressed the necessity of abiding by the health procedures and submitting the required certificates as well as adhering to the deadlines written on the travel tickets.
The pilgrims should be present 8 hours before the departure time of the return flights in the city of pilgrims in Jeddah and 6 hours before their flights at Medina International Airport.
The company also warned pilgrims not to bring sacks and baggage according to the instructions of the Saudi authorities, noting that it is allowed to carry two bags, whose weight does not exceed 23 kilograms, and a handbag weighing 8 kilograms, provided that the excess weight is collected in cash.
It is also allowed for pilgrims to carry a 5-litre bottle of Zamzam water, according to the instructions of the Saudi authorities.
Well-known sources at EgyptAir stated that all the authorities responsible for the Hajj season are in continuous session until the end of the pilgrims’ return stage next Wednesday, in order to provide all means of comfort for the pilgrims during the return trips.
EgyptAir has also formed work teams to assist the elderly and people with special needs upon their arrival, in addition to improving lighting system and doing maintenance for all baggage belts.
The head of the Cairo Airport Company, MagdiIshaq, made inspection tours inside the arrival hallsto follow up procedures and preparations to receive pilgrims coming from the holy sites after performing their pilgrimage rituals, according to Minister Abbas’ directives.
Ishaq also issued instructions to coordinate with all the bodies concerned at the airport and to allocate an operation room to follow up on the arrival of pilgrims and solve any problems facing them inside the halls, especially the elderly and those with special needs.
The Quarantine Department at Cairo airport continues its work during the Hajj season, conducting medical check-ups on pilgrims after returning from the holy sites to make sure that their health is well.
EgyptAir has also declared an extreme state of emergency among workers, whether doctors, paramedics or administrators, to offer all facilities necessary for the pilgrims, especially the elderly and the disabled people.
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