SAUDIA RECORDS 50% GROWTH IN OPERATIONS DURING THE UMRAH SEASON BY TRANSPORTING 814,000 PILGRIMS IN 3 MONTHS
With a market share increment in Europe and Africa for the transportation of pilgrims
The Voice of Chandigarh | Travel Trade Reporter:
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, continues its operational activities for the Umrah season for the year 1445 Hijri. From the beginning of Muharram until the end of Rabi’ Al-Awwal, the airline has transported 814,000 pilgrims in both directions, marking a 50% increase compared to last year. This commitment aligns with Saudia’s dedication to contribute to Saudi Vision 2030 goals. The execution of this plan involves a specialized team that includes representatives from operational sectors, in coordination and collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, government entities managing airport operations and relevant authorities.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, continues its operational activities for the Umrah season for the year 1445 Hijri. From the beginning of Muharram until the end of Rabi’ Al-Awwal, the airline has transported 814,000 pilgrims in both directions, marking a 50% increase compared to last year. This commitment aligns with Saudia’s dedication to contribute to Saudi Vision 2030 goals. The execution of this plan involves a specialized team that includes representatives from operational sectors, in coordination and collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, government entities managing airport operations and relevant authorities.
Saudia had strategically planned in its operations to provide additional charter flights during the ongoing Umrah season, aiming to facilitate the transportation of more than 100,000 pilgrims through new stations. This is in addition to their scheduled flights in cities such as Aswan and Luxor in Egypt, Ankara, and Gaziantep in Turkey, Algiers, Constantine, and Oran in Algeria, Zurich in Switzerland, Djerba in Tunisia, and various cities in Morocco including Tangier, Fez, Agadir, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Oujda.
Saudia has ensured the provision of all necessary facilities at the airports to serve pilgrims from the beginning of the season. These facilities include a proficient workforce, self-service kiosks, baggage services, digital platforms, and designated service centers, enabling the airline to achieve significant operational efficiency. Moreover, the advanced electronic services on digital platforms have been instrumental in delivering a seamless experience that streamlines procedures for the pilgrims.
The Chief Hajj & Umrah Officer of Saudia, Mr. Amer Alkhushail, confirmed that early preparations were in progress for the Umrah season in coordination with relevant authorities to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These efforts aim to provide superior services to pilgrims so they can perform the rituals in a spiritually enriching environment. He highlighted that the significant increase in the number of transported pilgrims is a testament to the success of these efforts, reflecting Saudia’s extensive expertise in this field.
He further elaborated that: “Through successful operations in reaching various international destinations and transporting more pilgrims, Saudia has demonstrated a profound dedication to elevating the overall travel experience. This was achieved through streamlining and optimizing digital procedures and providing innovative services that integrate efforts across diverse sectors. One such initiative is the ‘Umrah by Saudia’ platform, which offers a diverse array of comprehensive Umrah packages tailored to accommodate various segments of pilgrims. Furthermore, Saudia offers a ‘Hajj and Umrah’ channel in the in-flight entertainment system, providing a range of programs designed to assist guests in performing their religious rituals. These initiatives emphasize the significant collaboration among multiple sectors, implementing the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may Allah protect them – to present the Kingdom’s honorable commitment of serving the pilgrims and guests of Allah.”
Saudia operates flights to over a hundred destinations spanning four continents globally. With its Hajj and Umrah sector possessing remarkable operational capabilities for the global and Islamic markets, the airline is actively pursuing enhanced collaboration with all relevant international organizations engaged in coordinating and arranging travel for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
