Emirates Airlines is ramping up flights to meet increased travel demand during the Hajj season and Eid al-Adha celebrations. As Saudi Arabia lifts all Hajj travel restrictions for the first time in three years, Emirates is offering ten additional flights to Jeddah, while daily flights will operate to Medina during this period. Emirates has already witnessed strong bookings for Hajj travel from popular destinations such as Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, among others.
Emirates is also deploying an additional 34 flights to popular destinations across the region ahead of the six-day Eid al-Adha break, facilitating passengers traveling home to celebrate with their families. Emirates CEO, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said the airline has seen a 20% increase in demand relative to 2022 with a large percentage of its customers heading to India, Pakistan, Thailand, the Philippines, the UK, France, and the US, as well as across the region to Lebanon, Jordan and Dubai.
To create a smooth and peaceful travel experience, Emirates has established a dedicated team to support pilgrims on their once-in-a-lifetime Hajj pilgrimage. On the ground in Dubai, the airport team will manage check-in, and dedicated Hajj team will process all arrival formalities. Emirates has also made additional provisions such as unperfumed towels, extra blankets, and special arrangement for Zamzam water checked in by passengers.
Furthermore, the airline is offering a pilgrim-centric experience on board that upholds the values and traditions of the travelers’ faith. Special arrangements have been made to accommodate those performing ablutions and cleansing rituals, and a dedicated Hajj video that covers safety, general formalities, and information about performing the Hajj pilgrimage will be available on ice, Emirates’ award-winning in-flight entertainment system. Passengers traveling during the Eid period will also enjoy a traditional feast with common dishes served in First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class.
Emirates is recording a 20% increase in demand compared to 2022, with a large percentage of its customers heading to India, Pakistan, Thailand, the Philippines, the UK, France, and the US, as well as across the region to Lebanon, Jordan, and Dubai. This additional volume of travelers requires planning n layering of additional flights to key regional destinations to meet their demands. By ramping up flights, Emirates seeks to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for passengers, facilitating their travel from and to the key pilgrimage sites during this special period.
