“On behalf of all my colleagues and staff I want to express our utmost happiness and welcome the arrival of our first flight coming from Iraq to King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah,” said Mohammed Bagaba, head of commercial activities for Alwafeer.
“I am truly glad to have made it to Saudi Arabia to visit the holy places of Makkah and Madinah. This trip means a lot to me and my family back home, as this is my first visit to Makkah in long time,” 50-year-old Yaquob from Baqubah in Iraq told Arab News.
One elderly woman told Arab News of her joy of being part of this special trip to the Kingdom.
"Saudi Arabia is my second home, and this is my second time coming for Umrah. The last time was more than 30 years ago, I am really happy I made it."
Jeddah based Alwafeer Airlines is considered Saudi Arabia’s first chartered airline specializing in serving Umrah and Haj pilgrims.
The company counts 15 pilots operating three Boeing 747 aircraft among its staff.
Alwafeer now flies from Basra and Baghdad airports and it will add another terminal in Sulaymaniyah in Iraq soon.
