The SAUDIA Group – consisting of Saudi Airlines, flyadeal, and Saudi
Private Aviation – has allocated 1.2 million seats for the upcoming Hajj
season, as part of a move supported by the Saudi Arabian government's
efforts to control hotel prices.
Flights will commence on 21 May, connecting pilgrims from over 100
scheduled destinations and 14 seasonal destinations to six airports
across the kingdom.
The plan will utilise SAUDIA Group's fleet of 164 aircraft, with an
additional 12 aircraft provided for enhanced capacity, and and supported
by the SAUDIA Group's team of 8,000 cockpit and cabin crew members
proficient in 42 languages.
The group also provides additional services such as boarding pass
issuance, language support, Zamzam water distribution, and extra flights
to Medina.
SAUDIA has updated its in-flight Islamic content, offering religious
programs and Quran recitations in multiple languages, in addition to
offering an inflight entertainment system with educational e-books on
performing Hajj and Umrah.
Responding to Umrah travel challenges
The Saudi Arabian government has responded to Umrah travel challenges
raised by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA)
to control sudden price surge in hotels in Makkah and Madinah.
Additionally, in response to the challenges faced by Malaysian tour
operators in making insurance claims for pilgrims experiencing health
issues during Umrah, the Saudi government is considering MATTA's
proposal for a streamlined claims process through a single application
channel.
The King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Medina has
introduced a new policy allowing pilgrims to carry 5-litre bottles of
Zamzam water onboard, subject to specific conditions.
To qualify, pilgrims must present their Umrah registration proof
through the Nusuk application – an integrated digital platform launched
by the Saudi Tourism Authority in September last year.
The
Nusuk application aims to facilitate seamless Umrah journeys by
offering a range of services and information to pilgrims. Furthermore,
the delivery of Zamzam water purchases will be conveniently arranged at
designated sales points, ensuring a streamlined process for pilgrims.