PLAN FOR HAJ FLIGHTS FROM ISRAEL DENIED

Riyadh, 14 Dzulqa’dah 1435/9 September 2014 (MINA) – The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) based in Riyadh has denied reports that its airports would handle direct flights from Israel this Haj season.

GACA Spokesman Khaled Al-Khaibari said there would be no direct flights from Occupied Palestine to Saudi airports carrying Haj pilgrims from the occupied territories, Arab News quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

He said Palestinian pilgrims would be transported from Egyptian or Jordanian airports. Or the pilgrims would travel to Makkah and Madinah by road through Jordan, he said.

Al-Khaibari issued the denial after reports in Israeli media that there would be direct flights between Israel and Saudi Arabia for the first time transporting Haj pilgrims.

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Previously reported, for the first time ever, Palestinian Muslims who live in Israel will be able to travel to Saudi Arabia for hajj pilgrimage by air instead of having to make the journey by bus.

Owner of the Ramla-based Milad Aviation Company Ibrahim Milad told Ma’an Sunday that flights would be organized from Ben Gurion Airport to Amman and then onward to Jeddah Airport in Saudi Arabia.

An initial group of 766 hajj pilgrims will fly Sept. 23-26, and the flight will cost about $600. (T/P001/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)