RIYADH – The government of Saudi Arabia has allowed Umrah pilgrims to arrive and depart through any airport in the country.
All domestic and international airlines have been told to permit Umrah pilgrims to arrive and depart on scheduled flights through any international airport in the kingdom, according to a General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) circular.
The airlines have been advised to ensure adherence to governmental directives or else prepare for consequences.
“Failure to comply with circulars issued by GACA is an explicit violation of Government’s orders. Legal procedures shall be initiated against violators who will be held responsible,” the authority warned.
Prior to the circular, Umrah pilgrims used to travel through Jeddah and Medina airport only; however, the new regulation gives more freedom of choice to the pilgrims.
Every year, millions of Muslims go to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj and Umrah at two of Islam’s holiest sites. As the Covid restrictions have finally been relaxed, the kingdom has declared that it will accept 2.3 million pilgrims for Hajj this year.
