Tourism minister directs closer monitoring and continuous coordination with companies and relevant authorities to address developments affecting Umrah programmes.
Samia Sami: Coordination with Saudi authorities aims to contain flight delays while protecting pilgrims’ rights and considering tourism companies’ circumstances.
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is monitoring, around the clock, flights carrying Egyptian Umrah pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and back home, in continuous coordination with relevant authorities in both countries, following regional developments that have delayed some services.
This follows instructions from Minister Sherif Fathy to intensify field monitoring through ministry committees and maintain contact with Umrah organisers to identify and address developments affecting pilgrims’ programmes. The measures reflect the ministry’s regulatory and supervisory role and its commitment to ensuring orderly implementation of this season’s programmes and the quality of services.
Samia Sami, Assistant Minister for Tourism Companies, said ministry committees at Cairo International Airport, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, alongside field committees in Makkah and Madinah, continue monitoring Umrah programmes, including departures, arrivals in the holy sites and return journeys to Egypt.
She stressed the need to consider the exceptional regional circumstances and possible disruption or delay to flights, highlighting the efforts of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association and Egyptian tourism companies to assist pilgrims and avoid repercussions from delays.
Sami confirmed ongoing coordination with Saudi authorities and all relevant parties to contain delays, protect pilgrims’ rights, consider companies’ circumstances and limit effects on programme delivery, while respecting the responsibilities and safety measures of aviation regulators and operators.
The ministry urged Umrah organisers to monitor flight schedules continuously with carriers, promptly inform pilgrims of developments or changes to travel times, and provide up-to-date information and necessary guidance to facilitate departures and safe returns.
