Safwat Muslim, chairperson of EgyptAir Holding Company, said that return flights for pilgrims from Jeddah and Medina will officially start on 17 September. The scheduled flights will transport 75,000 passengers back to Egypt. Pilgrims that had travelled via travel agencies will return first, followed by those depending on social solidarity and hajj draws. These flights will be preceded by fast pilgrimage flights, for those who took part in only parts of the pilgrimage, from Jeddah on Thursday and Friday. Due to the high demand on pilgrimage flight operations in Jeddah and Medina airports at this time, some delays beyond the company's control are expected, Muslim stated, adding that airlines from around the world organise flights to and from Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimage season. The company calls upon its customers to follow the return instructions in order to ensure smooth flights and punctuality, as well as to adhere to the departure and arrival times on the tickets. Customers are also asked to arrive eight hours before aeroplanes take off from Jeddah airport, and six hours before take-off from Medina airport.
