CAIRO: In coordination with Palestinian Airlines, EgyptAir has opened an air bridge to Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport to transport 5,000 Palestinians for Umrah this year.
This follows directives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure the transport of “Palestinian brothers to the holy land during the Hajj and Umrah seasons,” said Yehia Zakaria, board chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company.
For the season — from Nov. 15 to Feb. 20, 2023 — 14 special flights have been scheduled for the pilgrims.
The newest Boeing B787-9 aircraft, capable of carrying 309 passengers, will be used for the first time and will make four flights each month to help the Palestinian pilgrims, said Ehab Al-Tahtawi, board chairman of the airline.
Jamal Almashharawi, general manager of Palestinian Airlines, thanked EgyptAir for the support over the years for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
In July, EgyptAir opened an air bridge for the return of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia and transported nearly 20,000 Egyptian, Palestinian, Malian, and transit passengers on 114 flights.