JEDDAH: The Ministry of Haj has urged all Umrah companies and service providers not to allow their pilgrims to leave Makkah for airports and seaports without confirmed bookings for airlines and ships.
The companies must make sure that pilgrims reach King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah six hours before departure and Prince Muhammad Airport in Madinah three hours before departure.
Stickers must be placed on pilgrim buses explaining the location of the departure terminal at the airport and the number of the check-in lounge in order to prevent pilgrims from going astray in the airport.
Pilgrims must also be informed that they are not allowed to carry food to King Abdulaziz Airport, a measure that has been taken to protect public health.
With regard to pilgrims traveling from Yanbu Port, the ministry has instructed all Umrah service providers to make sure that ships arrive on time as there is a lack of space for waiting.
Companies must also provide medical reports on sick pilgrims in order to allow them to travel and prevent the spread of any disease.
A large number of pilgrims are thronging airports and seaports in Jeddah and Madinah for their return trips.
King Abdulaziz Airport receives the largest number of pilgrims. Covering an area of 100 square kilometers, it is the largest airport in the Kingdom. The General Authority of Civil Aviation has launched a massive project to expand the airport.
Passport Department officers at the airport are working round the clock to handle the flood of passengers.
Maj. Gen. Salim Al-Belaihed, director general of the department, said staff at immigration offices at Saudi airports and seaports would work during the Eid holidays as on normal days.
