Jet2.com Takes Over 2000 Pilgrims to the Hajj

08th November 2011

- Specialist pilgrimage service from Leeds Bradford, Birmingham, Manchester and East Midlands airports

Jet2.com,the leading leisure airline, increased its dedicated service for pilgrims taking part in this year’s annual Hajj, with specialist departures from Leeds Bradford International, Manchester, Birmingham and East Midlands airports.

The dedicated Jet2.com programme transported over 2,000 passengers to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to take part in the Hajj, the world’s largest annual pilgrimage. Operating a total of nine return trips, three from Leeds Bradford, four from Manchester, one from East Midlands and one from new departure point Birmingham, Jet2.com provided the only direct service from both Leeds Bradford and East Midlands Airports.

Phil Ward, Passenger Sales Director of Jet2.com, commented: “Our specialist Hajj flights were extremely popular last year and it is fantastic that we were again able to offer this increased service from even more of our airport bases for 2011. We are very keen to listen to the needs of our customers and are pleased again to be working with Muslim community for dedicated flights from the North of England during this important time for the pilgrims. Working closely with Sky-Fly Connections and PAK Travels, we are proud of our Hajj operation and are confident that the route will continue to build on the success of last year’s operation.”

This year, the Hajj takes place from 4^th to 9^th November 2011 and is a demonstration of solidarity amongst the Muslim people in their submission to Allah. It sees thousands of pilgrims converge on Mecca to perform a series of prayer rituals. The pilgrimage is hugely important and every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so is required to make the journey at least once in their lifetime.

Respecting Muslim traditions, Jet2.com ensures that all catering for the special flights adheres to Halal methods, no alcohol served on board and that cabin crew are sensitive to the practice of prayer whilst in flight.  Prayer facilities were also made available in the airport terminal prior to departure. Jet2.com further increased it’s already generous baggage allowance to 33kg, for pilgrims to bring back the important Zam Zam holy water.

Hajj flights with Jet2.com were sold directly through Sky-Fly Connections for the Leeds Bradford, Birmingham and Manchester departures. East Midlands departures were sold directly through PAK Travels Ltd.