Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has begun operating more than 1,600 Haj return flights to all destinations from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed International Airport in Madinah following the end of the annual pilgrimage.

“We will operate 1,531 international flights and 76 domestic flights to transport pilgrims to their destinations,” said Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, director-general of the national flag carrier, which plays a significant role in the country’s massive Haj operation.

He said Saudia extends integrated services to pilgrims in coordination with various government departments, including the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Haj Ministry and the Passport Department.

“Saudia’s strategic plan to transport Haj pilgrims from 100 foreign and domestic destinations was a big success,” the director-general said, adding that the plan aims at transporting 818,000 pilgrims.

He said the newly purchased Boeing and Airbus aircraft, as well as 29 rented planes, enabled the airline to offer the best services to the guests of God. “We have achieved high rates for on-time performance in Haj flights and ensured 100 percent security for pilgrims,” he added.

Saudia transported baggage without delays. “We have deployed senior executives at major stations to supervise Haj flights and raised awareness about safety regulations to pilgrims. We have also set up a special operation room to monitor Haj flights.”

The appointment of employees who speak the same languages as pilgrims coming from Indonesia, India, Malaysia and Bangladesh was another measure that won the applause of customers.

“We sent Zamzam water bottles for Indonesian, Indian and Malaysian pilgrims to their countries in empty return flights during the first phase of the Haj operation.”

“We issue boarding passes for return flights in advance so that pilgrims need not visit our offices in Makkah and Madinah to make return bookings and are able to focus on worship and Haj rituals.”

The airline appointed cabin crew members who speak the language of pilgrims, supply meals to suit all tastes and screen Haj documentaries during flights.

“We provide city check-in services to Indonesian and Malaysian pilgrims at the Ain Al-Aziziya building in Jeddah and for Indian and Iranian pilgrims in Makkah,” Al-Jasser said.