JEDDAH — Saudi Arabian Airlines is operating a total of about 1,500 flights to carry more than half a million returning Haj pilgrims. Saudia has so far transported 162,574 pilgrims and the departure of pilgrims will continue until Nov. 18 (Muharram 15). Assam Fuad, executive director general of Saudia at King Abdulaziz International Airport, said the airline started receiving baggage of the returning pilgrims from Indonesia, India and Malaysia 18 hours before the departure of flights. Saudia has been transporting a total of 168,574 pilgrims from these countries, he added.