AlHijjah 14, 1433, Oct 30, 2012, SPA - All foreign pilgrims are required to be at the airport six hours before the scheduled departure of their flights, according to new regulations issued by the Ministry of Hajj. Hajj companies have been instructed to double check the departure time and coordinate the transportation process, according to a report of the Arab newspaper "OKAZ". The ministry also asked Hajj companies to strictly observe the flight schedules and times of departure for ships and buses. Pilgrims are not allowed to move except in vehicles licensed by the General Car Syndicate (GCS). Pilgrims who want to leave for Madinah by air should also be at the airport six hours in advance. Pilgrims who are leaving for home by sea should go to the seaport 18 hours ahead of the departure time. Hatim Qadhi, spokesman of the Ministry of Hajj, said these regulations were decided after extensive meetings between officials from the ministry and the General Authority of Civil Aviation. He also said the ministry will be provided with flight schedules 24 hours in advance and will send the schedules to the GCS and all 'Tawafa' (Circumambulation) establishments. “Non-compliance with the new regulations carries penalties," said Qadhi.
