Tag Archives: Hajj travel

The Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has announced a new record in rail passenger numbers during the departure of pilgrims from Makkah following the completion of their Hajj rituals. According to SAR, a total of 33,494 pilgrims departed from Makkah in a single day, utilizing the Haramain Express Train for 129 trips, with an impressive punctuality rate of 98 per cent. The Haramain Express Train serves as a crucial component of the Kingdom’s transportation and logistics system, enabling pilgrims and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques to experience fast and seamless travel to the holy sites. It stands as one of the primary means of transportation for a smooth and efficient journey.  

With the commencement of the Hajj season and upcoming Eid Al Adha celebrations, Emirates is layering on additional flights to key regional destinations to meet significant travel demand during this special period. As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia lifts all Hajj travel restrictions for the first time in three years, Emirates has deployed additional flights for pilgrims to embark on their journey to and from the Holy City of Makkah. Ten flights have been added to and from Jeddah. All flights will be operated on Boeing 777 aircraft dedicated for Hajj pilgrims until 7 July. The Hajj flights to Jeddah will run in parallel to Emirates’ existing schedule to the Kingdom and are open to travellers holding a valid Hajj visa and, if above the age of 12, have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Medina will also be served with daily flights during this time. This year, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah anticipates 2.6 million pilgrims, reaching pre-pandemic numbers and the additional flights aim to help seamlessly carry pilgrims. Emirates has already seen strong bookings for Hajj travel from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Mauritius and South Africa. Gearing up for a busy travel period for Eid Al Adha, Emirates has deployed an additional 34 flights to popular destinations across the region. With an estimated 78,000 people from across the region expected to travel with Emirates during the Eid Al Adha six-day break, the additional flights will facilitate passengers traveling home to celebrate with their family and friends. For passengers traveling to the Levant, Emirates has added ten flights to Amman from 21 to 30 June, and ten additional flights to Beirut from 20 to …

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is inviting travellers to embark on an enchanting journey through the country’s rich history and fairy tale landscapes this Eid al-Fitr. From royal palaces to charming castles, travellers can this summer immerse themselves in Germany’s awe-inspiring world, where medieval tales come alive. With 25,000 enchanting sites, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to hidden gems, Germany’s historic treasures offer both romantic getaways and legendary tours filled with pure magic. Whether it is the Baroque-style Moritzburg Castle constructed on its own artificial island near Dresden or Kriebstein Castle that looms ominously over the River Zschopau in Saxony; the Barockgarten Großsedlitz in Heidenau or Germany’s oldest “porcelain palace”, the Schloss Favorite Rastatt near Baden-Baden.The wonderous sites promise unique experiences, from open-air concerts under starry skies to captivating exhibitions. Visitors can participate in the Hohenzollern Mountain Race, conquering 365 vertical metres to reach Hohenzollern Castle’s courtyard; explore the world’s first playing card museum to design their own cards at Altenburg Residential Castle; or experience music fusion at Spandau. Explorers can also discover other fascinating landmarks such as Sanssouci Palace, which is actually an ensemble of palaces and gardens; immerse themselves in culture at regular musical performances and events at Wartburg Castle; experience the annual theatrical tribute paid to William Shakespeare at Neuschwanstein Castle; and visit Heidelberg Castle, which hosts a series of unforgettable theatre, opera, and concert productions. Each of these landmarks highlight Germany’s rich history and architectural wonders. Furthermore, Germany has been promoting its slogan, “Germany Simply Inspiring”, aimed at promoting sustainable travel and communicating the country’s positive image as a travel destination with a wide range of eco-conscious tourism experiences. The goal is to extend the …

Dubai Airports is working with its key service partners to ensure that pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage have a smooth and seamless start to their journey at Dubai International (DXB). Saudia will be operating the first official Hajj flight from DXB Terminal 1 on June 22. As part of the steps taken by Dubai Airports to improve operational efficiency and maintain service levels from the kerb to the boarding gates during the Hajj season, dedicated counters have been allocated at check-in, passport control and security. Special departure gates have also been arranged for accommodating Hajj flights. Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Head of Hajj Committee at Dubai airport, urged all travellers to arrive at Dubai International (DXB) four hours before their scheduled flight departure to complete all travel procedures comfortably. In addition, he advised Hajj travellers to ensure the validity of all their travel documents, including passport, Emirates ID, and Hajj permit prior to arriving at the airport.   “It will get quite busy in the coming weeks as the Hajj season coincides with the summer travel peak, but the teams at DXB have completed the necessary planning and preparation to meet and exceed the expectations of our guests. We are ready to give the Hajj pilgrims a special welcome this year”, he said. While Dubai Airports is working closely with airlines, control authorities, and commercial and service partners to make the airport experience seamless, travellers can follow a few simple tips to smoothen their journey through the airport. Be aware of the latest travel regulations and ensure that you have all the necessary documents with the required validity before reaching the airport. For those travelling with …