Hajj 2019: Etihad Airways to provide extra flights for pilgrims

The airline will increase the number of services between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia

Etihad Airways will provide 15 extra flights between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia during the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah. AFP 

Etihad Airways is to lay on 15 extra flights a day to ensure thousands of travellers can complete their pilgrimage to Makkah to perform Hajj.

The UAE's national carrier will increase the number of services from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia from July 28 until August 25 to meet the expected surge in demand.

Last year, more than 6,200 Muslims performed Hajj from the UAE, up from 4,600 the previous year.

The Saudi government allocates each country a set number of pilgrims to take part each year.

"Etihad has been operating Hajj flights since 2007 and we remain committed to providing our additional services during this important season for the Muslim world," said Houssam Weiss, head of UAE Sales at Etihad Airways.

"We aim to help our guests to complete this once-in-a-lifetime religious journey with ease and peace of mind. This year we expect approximately 25,000 Hajj travellers on our flights, with most originating in Australia, Pakistan, Morocco, United Kingdom, India and Indonesia, travelling via our Abu Dhabi hub."

Etihad will assign dedicated staff and check-in counters at Abu Dhabi International Airport to welcome pilgrims.

On return flights from Saudi Arabia, Etihad Airways will permit Hajj pilgrims to carry a five-litre container of Zamzam water free of charge and will provide extra care for its handling.

The airline will also operate six charter flights dedicated to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Zayed Foundation and Abu Dhabi Police.