Emirates is increasing its flight operations to support Hajj pilgrims and accommodate high travel demand during the upcoming Eid Al Adha period.
The airline will operate 33 special flights to Jeddah and Medina through May 31 and again from June 10 to 16, transporting nearly 32,000 Hajj pilgrims from destinations including the USA, Pakistan, Indonesia, South Africa, Thailand, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Support for Hajj pilgrims
The special flights are tailored to meet the needs of pilgrims travelling to Makkah. Emirates is offering dedicated airport services in Dubai and an onboard experience designed for the pilgrimage. Features include Hajj-specific luggage tags, prayer kits, ablution-friendly facilities, and religious announcements marking Al Miqat zones.
Pilgrims can check in up to five litres of Zamzam water on return flights, stored separately in the aircraft’s cargo area. Emirates advises travelers to review the full Hajj travel guide on its website for up-to-date travel requirements and onboard services.
Additional Eid flights
To handle seasonal demand, Emirates will also operate 13 extra flights to and from Amman, Dammam, Kuwait, and Bahrain during Eid Al Adha. The airline expects increased travel for leisure and family visits during the holiday.
Eid menu onboard
Passengers on select routes during Eid Al Adha will be served a festive menu. Traditional dishes such as Lamb Madfoon and Chicken Zurbian will be available in premium cabins, along with desserts like Pistachio Cake and Date Mamoul cookies across all classes.
A380 passengers in First and Business Class can enjoy Arabic coffee and Emirati sweets in the onboard lounge, while those flying from Jeddah will also have access to local dishes such as Lamb Mathlouta and Cheese Kunafa in Emirates’ airport lounge.
Arabic entertainment options
Emirates’ in-flight entertainment system, ice, will feature over 75 Arabic films and up to 50 series channels, including Shahid exclusives. Passengers can also access Arabic podcasts, audiobooks, and over 500 music channels.
Eid shopping on board
Travelers can browse the latest Emirates RED duty-free catalogue featuring 200 luxury products from brands such as Cartier, Hermes, and Jo Malone. An online pre-order service allows customers to reserve items ahead of their flight, with an Eid-exclusive 10% discount available using the code ‘REDMAG’.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
