Maldives Hajj Corporation has signed an MOU with Saudia Airlines to carry Maldivian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year. Saudi Airlines Chief Executive Officer Haisham Shams signed the agreement on behalf of the airlines and Hajj Corporation Managing Director Yameen Idhris signed the agreement on behalf of the Corporation.
Speaking in the signing ceremony held Mookai Suites, Idhris said with this agreement, all pilgrims from Maldives will be flown directly from Hulhule' airport to Jeddah airport. Saudi air operates four flights to the Maldives and will grant extra baggage allowance this year.
"Previous years every pilgrim was given an allowance of 30 kilos. This year every pilgrim will be given a 40 kilo allowance that does not include zamzam water bottles. Additionally, the pilgrims will not face difficulties in Jeddah airport, as Saudia is the carrier. We hope to address many issues we had faced in the previous years," Idhris said.
Speaking on behalf of Saudi airlines, Shams said the airline will work closely with the Corporation to ease the difficulties many pilgrims had faced over the years. He said this year, direct flights to Jeddah and free transfer of zamzam water will be given to pilgrims.
