Saudia says Qatar has failed to grant permission for its planes to fetch pilgrims
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has been unable to transport Qatari Hajj pilgrims from Doha as promised because Qatari authorities have failed to authorize its aircraft to land at Hamad International Airport, the Kingdom’s national carrier said on Sunday.
Saudia Director General Saleh Al-Jasser said that several days have passed since the airline submitted its request for landing permission, but Doha authorities have not acted on it so far. The statement was carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Al-Jasser said Saudia sent the request after King Salman ordered the airline to dispatch flights to Doha to transport Qatari pilgrims, in response to the mediation of Qatari Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani, who met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Aug. 17 and with the king the next day.
King Salman has also ordered the Saudi land border with Qatar opened for Qatari pilgrims to enter the Kingdom to perform Hajj in Makkah.
His directive includes providing transport and accommodation as special guests of the king.
King Salman’s opening of the Salwa border crossing and directive to send flights to transport Qatari pilgrims have been widely welcomed, but played down by Qatari authorities and media.
In a tweet on Sunday, Sheikh Abdullah expressed his regrets over his government’s inaction on Saudia’s request for landing permission.
“Brothers and sons: I regret the blocking of Saudi aircraft from Doha (to transport pilgrims) to perform Hajj, and I hope that the brothers in Qatar cooperate to facilitate Hajj for (its) citizens,” he tweeted.
Nonetheless, Sheikh Abdullah urged Qataris who wish to perform Hajj to avail themselves of the land transport option since the Salwa border crossing is now open to all pilgrims.
“With Allah’s permission, the wish of all those who want to perform Hajj will come true and opportunities to enter the Kingdom are available via land ports (Salwa border crossing) and Al-Ahsa and Dammam airports,” he said.
He said pilgrims can call 00966122367999, the hotline number of the operations center created by the Saudi government specifically for Qatari pilgrims, visitors and businesspeople.