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Over 20,000 will go by air for Haj

DUBAI — The first group of Haj pilgrims leaving by air from the UAE left by a Saudi Airlines aircraft from Dubai to the holy city of Madinah yesterday.

According to Abdullah Ahmed Al Najjar, Deputy Chairman of Haj Committe, Dubai International Airport, this year more than 20,000 pilgrims are expected to go for Haj through Dubai Airport and necessary arrangements for the pilgrims have been made. "Last year the number of pilgrims who went to Haj through Dubai Airport was 12,000. This year we expect 40 per cent increase in the number of pilgrims. The number of transit pilgrims also increased from 7,000 to 15,000," he said, adding that to facilitate a smooth journey, the Haj Committee of Dubai airport will render more services than last year.

"For the easy entrance of the pilgrims to the airport, gate number 2 of the departure area is dedicated to Emirates airline Haj pilgrims and gate 5 will be dedicated to Saudi Airline pilgrims, he said.

"Each of the companies organising the Haj tours will be given a table inside the airport where they can put up their banners," he said that a separate box will be given for each pilgrim to take the excess baggage and a 24-hour helpline 04-2166666 is available to provide all information.

Passengers of the first Haj group who flew yesterday expressed their satisfaction about the arrangements.