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Dubai: Airlines will operate dozens of extra flights to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan to cope with the rush of Umrah pilgrims.
Emirates will have 47 extra flights from Dubai to Jeddah, while Etihad Airways will offer 24 additional flights between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah. Etihad will also have three special flights to Madinah.
Sharjah-based Air Arabia, which operated special flights during Ramadan last year, is starting regular daily flights from September 16 to Jeddah.
Emirates said its additional services, which started yesterday and will continue until October 15, can be used by travellers holding an Umrah visa.
"These extra flights will depart Dubai at 9am and 12.45pm local time, providing Umrah passengers with more flexibility and ensuring convenient connections for pilgrims arriving from around Emirates' global network," the airline said in a statement.
"Umrah is a unique spiritual experience for Muslims, and Emirates is glad to be able to facilitate travel arrangements for scores of pilgrims during their special journey, through services in the air and on the ground," said Adnan Kazim, Emirates senior vice-president for commercial operations in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, UAE airports also hope to connect people from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Pakistan on flights to Saudi Arabia.
Etihad Airways chief executive officer James Hogan said, "The additional flights will enhance significantly the long-haul travel options to Muslim communities throughout our network with a short transfer time in Abu Dhabi on many routes."
According to Bilal Sayyed, general manager of travel firm Destinations of the World, Umrah traffic has been growing despite sharp escalations in the cost of performing the pilgrimage due to expensive air travel and rampant inflation in the Gulf.
The high demand for seats means airlines are unlikely to consider any reduction in ticket prices.
"This is a dedicated travel segment, so irrespective of price increases people will continue to perform their religious duties," Sayyed said.
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