Saudi gov’t allows 3rd airline to ferry Filipinos to hajj pilgrimage

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Saudi Arabia has set aside its two-airline policy for Filipinos who wish to perform the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca this year.

Dr Dimapuno Datu Ramos Jr, National Commission on Filipino Muslims (NCMF) director for external relations, said on Friday, January 4, that the decision was reached during a meeting between NCMF officials led by Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan and Saudi Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dr Sharief Housnie in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, January 3.

Datu Ramos attended the meeting.

“Historically, only the airline carrier of the KSA, Saudia Airlines, and the Philippine Airlines were allowed as transportation of the Filipino piligrims,” he said.

But Pangarungan, Datu Ramos said, argued that many Filipinos who wanted to perform the hajj were in a difficult financial situation, especially following the Marawi siege.

“It was agreed upon to allow another airline to be used by the Philippine pilgrims for 2019. Airfare rates of the third company is significantly lower compared to both Saudia and PAL,” he added. He did not identify the third airline though.

Datu Ramos also said that aside from approving a third airline, the Saudi government also pledged that Filipino pilgrims will be accommodated in 5-star hotels.

In the past, Filipino pilgrims would suffer from second-rate accommodation as they fulfill one of Islam’s 5 pillars.

“After finalizing the issues and concerns, the mother contract was signed by both parties, and the meeting was concluded with a press conference,” Datu Ramos said.

He added that with what Pangarungan and the NCMF had accomplished, “we can look forward to a better hajj experience for this year,”

The 2019 Hajj was expected to begin on August 9 this year.

Every year,  millions of  Muslims  join the pligrimage to Mecca.

Every Muslim is required to complete the hajj journey to Islam’s holiest sites at least once in their lifetime if they are healthy enough and have the means to do so. – Rappler.com