ALGERIA: The Saudi embassy in Algeria issued a forthright statement Tuesday denying “inaccurate” Algerian press reports concerning a delay in the return of Umrah pilgrims from the Kingdom. “The delays and inconveniences that occurred to those pilgrims as they returned to Algeria were due to the disorganization of Algeria Airlines,” the embassy said. “King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah did not hold up any airline.” Large numbers of Algerian pilgrims had been stranded at the airport due to the cancellation of Algeria Airlines flights, and the carrier was obliged to provide its passengers with food and accommodation while scheduled and chartered flights were arranged for their departure. The embassy also clarified certain figures mentioned in the Algerian press. “The total number of Algerian pilgrims from the beginning of the Umrah season up to the beginning of Ramadan was 147,000, with approximately 77,000 in Ramadan,” it said. “A number of airlines have provided them with transport home and as of Sept. 25 the correct number of Algerians remaining in Jeddah was1,420,” the embassy added. “Instead of publishing statements and inaccurately portraying the Kingdom's airports and services, and trying to misrepresent the role of the relevant bodies and blame others, it would have been more fruitful to seek swift and effective solutions to the pilgrims' situation,” the embassy said. “The delays and inconveniences that occurred to those pilgrims as they returned to Algeria were due to the disorganization of Algeria Airlines.”
