Abu Dhabi Airports rejigged for Hajj
ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Airports has completed all preparations in collaboration with all of its stakeholders to ensure the smooth and safe departure and return of pilgrims from Makkah and Medina during the Hajj season.
In order to facilitate the increase in traffic and the 15 additional Etihad Airways flights, including six chartered flights dedicated to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Zayed Foundation and Abu Dhabi Police. Abu Dhabi Airports has allocated additional staff across Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to ensure pilgrims enjoy a seamless and comfortable travel experience.
Dedicated check-in counters and additional luggage carts and transportation will be available at AUH for pilgrims, and Abu Dhabi Airports’ employees were on the ground to greet departing pilgrims and provide them with personal Hajj kits including a Miswak, religious books, and a range of travel necessities. Upon their return, pilgrims will be welcomed with dates, Arabic coffee and chocolates distributed by Abu Dhabi Airports’ employees, who will also support with receiving Zamzam water botles.
Ahmed Al Shamsi, Acting Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “It is an honour to provide support to pilgrims as they embark upon their journey from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia. Hajj is a highly significant and memorable journey for Muslims from across the UAE, and we hope that the special measures we have undertaken at Abu Dhabi International Airport will ensure the pilgrim’s departure is comfortable and convenient. We wish them a safe and peaceful pilgrimage and look forward to welcoming them back on their return.”
Abu Dhabi Airports is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. It was incorporated by Amiri Decree number 5, issued on 4 March 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate’s aviation infrastructure. In September 2006, Abu Dhabi Airports assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, Abu Dhabi Airports added Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive business aviation airport), as well as Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travelers, the aviation marketplace, and will help contribute to Abu Dhabi’s development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.