JEDDAH: The General Authority for Civil Aviation has warned airlines violating its rules defining services during the Haj season that it will take very tough action against them. It said one of the most significant measures defining air operations is that airlines involved in Haj services must provide the Authority with SR600,000 in bank guarantees. If airlines do not fly pilgrims and their luggage to their home countries, the Authority reserves the right to deduct the costs of the tickets and luggage fees from the bank guarantees. The Authority will also fine carriers SR100,000 if they transport pilgrims after the deadline set for their arrival and SR10,000 if their aircraft leave the Kingdom without a departure permit. Fines of SR20,000 to SR50,000 will be levied against any Haj carriers that do not meet deadlines for providing passengers' flight manifests.It is also mandatory for pilgrims with jewels or cash exceeding SR60,000 to declare those possessions on the customs form. The Authority said pilgrim arrivals began on Oct. 9 and will end on Nov. 11; return trips start on Nov. 21 and end on Dec. 21.
