EgyptAir carries 3K pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

CAIRO - 18 May 2019: EgyptAir operated on Saturday 16 flights carrying 3000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah (the minor Islamic pilgrimage), according to the Egyptian flag carrier.

EgyptAir is expected to transfer around 100,000 pilgrims during the Umrah season in the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Umrah is the non-mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca, which may be performed at any time of the year.

EgyptAir has carried a total of 10,700 Palestinian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah from March 4 until May 17. The Egyptian flag carrier said it operated 44 flights for this purpose.

Authorities of Cairo airport coordinated with the national airliner to finalize the arrival procedures of pilgrims who came through Rafah Border Crossing.

According to a cooperation protocol signed between EgyptAir and the Palestinian authorities, about 13,000 Palestinian pilgrims would be carried via 56 flights from March 4 till June 5.