Friday 20 / September / 2024
Muscat: Haj missions from Oman are advised to have their documents in hand while checking in to the Muscat International or Salalah Airports before embarking on their pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca.
Travel agents and national flag carrier, Oman Air, has advised regular passengers to arrive early at the airport to avoid getting stuck at the check-in counter and show respect and support for the pilgrims.
“Regular travellers are advised to arrive at the airport around two to three hours before their flight,” advised Arun Raj, manager of the holiday division at Fayeda Travel and Tourism.
“We should respect the people travelling for Haj and get to the airport early; in part to avoid the heavy congestion during this season and to receive the boarding pass early as to give way for the pilgrims,” he added.
Be prepared
Ravi, who is in charge of the holiday division at National Travel and Tourism, also reiterated that passengers should arrive earlier than they normally do and be prepared.
“Normal passengers should always have their documents in hand. I advise them to be better prepared for their travels and double check if they have their passport and visas,” said Ravi.
“Three hours ahead of schedule should be the ideal time to be at the airport,” he added.
Oman Air had dedicated a counter specifically for Haj groups in case of a rush at the airport and said the first batch of Haj travellers is expected on August 28.
“Some people travel by bus, but there are people who don’t like to travel by land. So these individuals decide to catch a plane and meet their group at the destination; unfortunately they would have to be checked in like the rest of the travellers,” said Zahran Ambusaidi, Airport Services Manager, Muscat- Oman.
Advice for Haj pilgrims
Ambusaidi added that Haj travellers must have their documents and Haj permits in hand before checking in and ground staff will hold the right to deny any travel to Mecca without a permit.
“Some people come to the check-in counter dressed in normal clothing as though they are travelling for another reason to Mecca, but when the aircraft is overhead for Medinah or Jeddah, they go to the bathroom and change into the Ihram (Haj clothing),” explained Ambusaidi, adding that those who are denied travel would get a refund for their ticket, provided it fits the criteria.
“They will eventually be stopped on arrival since they don’t have a Haj permit and be sent back on the same flight. The airline will also be fined,” Ambusaidi pointed out, advising people to have their permit ready prior to departure.
Since the airport will be packed and busy for the week, friends and relatives are advised to park their cars in the designated parking spots and say their goodbyes at the airport. “This is to avoid traffic in the departure terminal,” explained Ambusaidi.
The Saudi Arabia government had announced that 4 Dhul Hijjah 1437, which corresponds with September 5, 2016, will be the last day it will receive pilgrims for Haj at any of the Saudi Airports.
Haj is to start on September 9 and end on September 12 in line with the first day of Eid Al Adha.
