Thai pilgrims arrive in Jeddah on direct Saudia Airlines flight

Thai pilgrims arrive in Jeddah on direct Saudia Airlines flight

MAKKAH: Officials at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport on Thursday celebrated the arrival of Thai pilgrims following the resumption of direct flights between the two countries. It was not the first group of pilgrims to arrive from Thailand this Umrah season, but it was the first to arrive on a direct flight from Bangkok to Jeddah, a source told Arab News. Saudia previously suspended all direct flights to Thailand almost three decades ago after diplomatic ties between both countries were downgraded. The head of the National Hajj and Umrah Committee, Mazen Darrar, told Arab News: “We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for our wise government's efforts in attracting pilgrims, and its keenness and constant interest and support for the government and private sectors, motivating them to increase the number of pilgrims. “This helps achieve the goal of Vision 2030 by improving the package of services provided to pilgrims, which include all necessary means of comfort from their arrival, during their pilgrimage, and until their safe and sound return. “These efforts resulted in opening the door to Umrah for Muslims in Thailand and providing them with the opportunity to perform Umrah, despite the pandemic, as per the precautionary measures established