Abdul Aziz Gazawi Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Essam Fouad Nour, executive director of Saudia at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah, has confirmed that the departure of the Umrah pilgrims has been smooth, speedy and steady. Around 260,953 passengers have boarded 1,366 flights through two main gateways – KAIA and Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Madinah. Abdul Hameed Balari, director general of King Abdulziz International Airport, said all flights have departed as scheduled. In Madinah, Northern Regional Manager Rashid Al-Zahrani, said that 38,369 passengers have boarded 283 flights, adding, that the new measures adopted by the authorities have made a huge difference. Departure of Umrah pilgrims will continue until Shawwal 15. The airports will then witness a slight lull until the first group of Haj pilgrims arrive in the beginning of Dhul Qa'dah.
