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Returning pilgrims welcomed home at Kuwait International Airport

Returning pilgrims welcomed home at Kuwait International Airport

Kuwait Times11-06-2025

KUWAIT: Returning pilgrims receive a welcome gift bag upon arrival at Kuwait International Airport. — KUNA
KUWAIT: Pilgrims returning to Kuwait after performing hajj were met with a smooth and well-organized arrival process at Kuwait International Airport on Monday, as national authorities and Kuwait Airways coordinated efforts to ensure comfort and efficiency. Speaking from Terminal 4, Chairman of Kuwait Airways Abdulmohsen Al-Fagaan reaffirmed the airline's commitment to offering a seamless travel experience for Hajj returnees. 'Our goal is to provide all possible comfort and ease for pilgrims returning from the holy sites,' he said, adding that flights arriving from Jeddah, Madinah, and Taif were handled under streamlined procedures designed specifically for this season.Al-Fagaan highlighted the close coordination between Kuwait Airways and various government bodies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Ministries of Interior and Health, and the General Administration of Customs. He credited the success of this year's Hajj operations to months of detailed planning and collaboration with hajj operators and supporting entities.Kuwait Airways, he noted, forms a dedicated committee each year to oversee hajj and umrah travel. This internal team works across departments to monitor flights, simplify procedures, and meet customer needs from check-in to arrival. 'It's all about delivering the best possible experience to our customers,' Al-Fagaan said. He extended thanks to Kuwait's leadership for facilitating support to Kuwaiti hajj campaigns and congratulated Saudi Arabia for the successful management of this year's pilgrimage season, noting that it was marked by safety, efficiency, and excellent organization.
Also on Monday, President of the DGCA Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Humoud Al-Sabah conducted an inspection tour of the airport to observe arrival operations. Accompanied by Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Major General Ali Al-Adwani, Sheikh Humoud praised the level of organization and the teamwork shown by airport staff and partner agencies. 'Our priority is to provide the best possible service to pilgrims,' he said in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). He emphasized that the welcoming process is the result of a comprehensive, multi-agency plan and the close integration of administrative and security bodies. Returning pilgrims expressed their appreciation for the warm reception and fast processing on arrival. Many praised the high level of coordination and services provided at Kuwait International Airport. — KUNA

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