DGCA Coordinates Efficient Departure For Nearly 8,000 Kuwaiti Pilgrims

The highly anticipated Hajj season officially commenced this morning with the first groups of Kuwaiti pilgrims departing from Kuwait International Airport through Terminals 1 and 4, embarking on their spiritual journey to the Holy Land. The departures reflected months of meticulous planning and seamless coordination by the relevant authorities, ensuring a smooth and serene start for all pilgrims.

First Flights Operated by Kuwait Airways and Saudi Airlines

Approximately 200 pilgrims boarded each of the initial flights operated by Kuwait Airways and Saudi Airlines. The first Kuwait Airways flight took off from Terminal 4, heading directly to Jeddah, the gateway city to the Hajj pilgrimage. Departure lounges were filled with emotional farewells as families sent their loved ones off with prayers and blessings.

Comprehensive Preparations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

Mansour Al-Hashemi, Director of Operations at Kuwait Airport under the DGCA, confirmed that two flights successfully departed this morning, marking the official start of the Kuwaiti Hajj operations. In total, 36 flights are scheduled to take off by the end of Monday, carrying nearly 8,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

Al-Hashemi highlighted the extensive preparations, including deploying field teams from the Operations Department working closely with the Ministries of Awqaf, Health, Interior, Customs, and ground service providers. These teams are dedicated to guiding pilgrims and facilitating every stage of their airport departure experience.

Streamlined Processes to Enhance Pilgrim Experience

To ensure efficiency, several measures were implemented: special counters exclusively for pilgrims have been set up, boarding passes are being issued in advance or upon arrival, and customs procedures have been expedited to prevent any delays or congestion during peak hours.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has also contributed by setting up dedicated informational booths in the departure halls. These booths provide pilgrims with brochures and guidance on the Hajj rituals, helping ensure they are spiritually and practically prepared for their journey.

Pilgrims Praise Organization and Care

Interviews conducted with pilgrims by Al-Seyassah revealed widespread appreciation for the smooth and well-organized procedures. Many expressed gratitude for the high standards of care and the collaborative efforts of the various authorities, which have allowed the "Guests of God" to embark on their pilgrimage with peace of mind and comfort.