Damascus, May 9 (SANA) Minister of Endowments Muhammad Abu al-Khair Shukri and Head of the General Authority for Civil Aviation and Air Transport Omar Hosari conducted an inspection tour on Saturday of services provided to Syrian Hajj pilgrims at Damascus International Airport, in the presence of Saudi Chargé d’Affaires in Damascus Abdullah al-Haris.
During the tour, Shukri said authorities were following the departure of the second group of Syrian pilgrims traveling to perform Hajj rituals, expressing satisfaction with the facilities and services provided. He added that the total number of Syrian pilgrims this year stands at 22,500, with flights beginning earlier on Saturday and continuing until May 21 to ensure their safe arrival.
Shukri also said work is underway in coordination with Saudi Arabia to implement the “Mecca Route” initiative next year, allowing pilgrims to complete entry procedures at Damascus or Aleppo airports through specialized teams and proceed directly upon arrival without delay.
For his part, Hosari said special attention had been given this year to ensuring pilgrims’ comfort, including the establishment of a dedicated terminal with a capacity of around 450 pilgrims, fully equipped with logistical facilities.
The Saudi Chargé d’Affaires in Damascus expressed appreciation to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the services and facilities provided to pilgrims from around the world, particularly those from Syria.


M.Q.R