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       KUWAIT CITY, June 19: Amid tears of joy and bouquets of roses, Kuwait International Airport received the first group of pilgrims who returned home on Wednesday after performing Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The airport eased all the entry procedures for the pilgrims — from the time they got off the plane until they left the airport gates. A total of 25 flights from Jeddah with thousands of pilgrims on board arrived on Wednesday. The first flight by Saudi Airlines arrived at 12:30 pm with about 250 pilgrims on board. A number of officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) warmly welcomed the pilgrims and followed up the entry procedures to ensure the smooth flow of movement inside the airport. Pilgrims on board Kuwait Airways flights were received in the passenger terminal (T4), Jazeera Airways flights in terminal (T5), and Saudi Airlines and Flynas flights in the main passenger terminal (T1).

       Barriers

       DGCA placed barriers throughout the reception area until the point where the pilgrims exited the airport in order to prevent crowding of those receiving pilgrims. The airport’s entrances and exits witnessed the heavy presence of security and traffic personnel to guarantee the smooth flow of traffic, reduce congestion in front of the departure and arrival halls, and to organize the parking process designated for loading passengers.

       The arriving pilgrims confirmed that Hajj this year was easy and simple, praising the role of Saudi authorities and their successful management of pilgrims’ affairs and facilitating Hajj rituals for them without obstacles. They indicated that the excellent organization by the Saudi authorities contributed to overcoming the difficulties, especially during the stoning ritual.

       They affirmed that the Kuwaiti Hajj delegation was in constant contact with the Hajj caravans to check on the Kuwaiti pilgrims and provide them with all assistance in terms of medical and service aspects. Pilgrim Umm Khaled affirmed her happiness in performing the Hajj rituals, saying: “My happiness is indescribable. Since entering the Holy Land, we have been feeling joyful despite the fatigue and hot weather, but closeness to Allah alleviated our fatigue.” She indicated that the Saudi authorities played a major role in facilitating the performance of the rituals, “as we did not find any crowding during the stoning ritual, except for the farewell circumambulation, but those in charge were worthy of appreciation for facilitating the movement of pilgrims.”

       Pilgrim Abdullah Al-Fadaani said: “Praise be to Allah, we performed the Hajj rituals and returned to the country safely. We ask Almighty Allah to accept our obedience and we praise Him for performing the Hajj. The Hajj rituals this year were more than excellent, and that the Saudi authorities provided all facilities and services so that the rituals could be performed to perfection and at ease.” Shafi Al-Mazal confirmed that Hajj procedures were eased this year, without any noteworthy observation. He praised the role of the Kuwaiti Hajj delegation, which did not fail to monitor the Kuwaiti pilgrims and provide them with all services.

       By Mohammad Al-Musleh

       Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff

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