Emirates adds 46 flights for Hajj and...

Dubai airline boosts services to five Middle East destinations

Emirates will introduce 46 extra flights to five Middle East destinations ahead of Hajj season and Eid Al Adha, as demand for travel surges during this period.

More than 32,000 Hajj passengers are expected to fly with Dubai’s flagship carrier during the Hajj season, which spans 22 May to mid-June, with many connecting through Dubai and some arriving for a Dubai stay before or after Hajj.

To cater to the surge in pilgrims travelling to Holy City Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the airline will operate 33 dedicated flights to Jeddah and Medina until 31 May and between 10 and 16 June, with the flights timed to meet the schedules from key Hajj markets, including the US, Pakistan, Indonesia, South Africa, Thailand and Côte d'Ivoire.

During this period, the airline is also adding 13 more flights between Dubai and regional destinations, including Amman in Jordan, Dammam in Saudi, Kuwait and Bahrain, in anticipation of a surge in travel for the Eid Al Adha break.

One of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar, Eid Al Adha is predicted to begin with Arafat Day on Thursday 5 or Friday 6 June in 2025, and run until Sunday 8 or Monday 9 June, depending on moon sightings, providing Gulf residents with a potential three or four-day public holiday.

Short, no-fuss trips to nearby cities is topping the list for UAE travellers this Eid, according to data from Skyscanner, with the most searched-for destinations including Dubai, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Muscat, all within a few hours of travel time.

For flights during this period, Emirates will offer a special Eid menu across all travel classes and for Hajj pilgrims, there will be a new Hajj kit with a prayer mat, tasbih beads and unperfumed towels.

For more information, visit www.emirates.com

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