Saudi Arabian authorities imposed a fine of $81,000 dollars on Libyan Airlines. This was due to the company’s management sending fake members of the company’s Hajj committee.
Sources said that the Hajj Authority had granted 10 seats to the Libyan Airlines Company to supervise the flights. The management reportedly ignored the request, and were given to individuals not belonging to the company, except for the committee’s Chairman.
In April, Saudi Arabia announced plans to welcome one million domestic and foreign pilgrims, during the upcoming Hajj season. This marks the first time that foreign pilgrims will be allowed to perform the annual pilgrimage, after the previous two seasons were restricted due to COVID-19 outbreaks.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that pilgrims to Mecca must be under the age of 65, and fully vaccinated. Foreign pilgrims must introduce a recent negative PCR test, affirming that health precautions will be observed.
Meanwhile, flag carrier Saudia airlines announced on Thursday the allocation of 14 aircraft for pilgrims. These are expected to make 268 international flights to and from 15 destinations worldwide, as well as 32 domestic flights.
In total, the airline will be responsible for providing around 107,000 international and 12,800 domestic seats, it added.
The pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest site, the Kaaba in the city of Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam.
A Muslim is required to perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime, if they have the means.