Damascus inspects Hajj operations as 22,500 Syrians depart; 'Mecca Route' planned

Minister of Endowments Muhammad Abu al-Khair Shukri and Head of the General Authority for Civil Aviation Omar Hosari inspected services for Syrian Hajj pilgrims at Damascus International Airport on Saturday, accompanied by Saudi Chargé d’Affaires Abdullah al-Haris. Shukri said authorities were overseeing the departure of the second group, expressed satisfaction with the facilities, and gave the total number of Syrian pilgrims this year as 22,500. He added that flights began earlier on Saturday and will continue through May 21 to ensure pilgrims' safe arrival.

Shukri said Syria is coordinating with Saudi Arabia to implement a "Mecca Route" next year that would let pilgrims complete entry procedures at Damascus or Aleppo airports and continue directly on arrival. Hosari noted special measures to ensure comfort, including a dedicated terminal with capacity for about 450 pilgrims equipped with logistical facilities. The Saudi Chargé expressed appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for services provided to pilgrims, particularly those from Syria, as reported by SANA