Yanbu airport may be used for transport of pilgrims

Emir of Madinah Prince Faisal Bin Salman has ordered the local Haj Committee to prepare a report on feasibility of receiving pilgrims at Prince Abdulmohsen Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu.

He also asked a committee to carry out a study on a expansion project around the area of the Prophet’s Tomb in Madinah.

Director General of Haj and Umrah Ahmad Esawi said the emir ordered the local Haj Committee to prepare a report to be submitted to the Central Haj Committee on the proposal to allow pilgrims to come and leave through the Yanbu airport.

“The emir also ordered the committee to submit a study on an expansion project in the Prophet’s Tomb area. All services offered to pilgrims must be of high quality and up to the standard set by the Higher Haj Committee,” said Esawi.

He said Madinah is preparing for the upcoming Umrah season by ensuring all safety and security measures are in place.

“The committee plans to provide accommodation for pilgrims but is awaiting the licensing procedures to complete. The residential units will be located outside the expanded Prophet’s Mosque and the project aims to provide accommodation for 350,000 pilgrims,” said Esawi.

Esawi said any change in the role of the Haj Committee requires thorough planning as it involves several directorates.

“Before submitting a report from Madinah Haj Committee to the Central Haj Committee, it must go through several directorates and departments including the municipality, the police, the Traffic Department, Haj and Umrah Directorate, Directorate of Transport and Road Management and others,” said Esawi.