ALGIERS – The first group of Algerian pilgrims arrived, Friday, in Algiers’ “Houari Boumediene” international airport after performing the hajj rites for the 1443/2022 season.
Composed of 429 pilgrims, the first group of hadjis, returning from the holy places from the international airport of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), benefited from all the necessary facilitations from the competent services.
The Director of Umrah at the National Office of Pilgrimage and Umrah (ONPO), in charge of this season’s Hajj follow-up cell, Châabani Ali, affirmed that “all the measures have been taken to ensure a better reception to our pilgrims after the performance of the hajj rites”, pointing out that four (4) flights are scheduled for Friday, three (3) via Algiers “Houari Boumediene” international airport and the fourth via Algeria’s international airport of Constantine.
According to Mr. Châabani, the total number of pilgrims returning to the country via the above-mentioned flights amounts to nearly 1,200 hajjis, adding that the return hajji flights will continue until August 2.
Stressing that this season was “successful on all fronts”, the same official indicated that all measures related to the safety of pilgrims, and preventive measures against Covid-19, have been taken in coordination with the various authorities responsible for organization and supervision of hajj flights.
The pilgrims’ arrival hall experienced a “special” atmosphere created by the families of the hajis. The latter affirmed ” having had all the facilities allowing them to perform the hajj in the best conditions”.
As a reminder, the number of Algerian hadjis for this season amounts to 18,697 pilgrims, i.e. 45% of the quota from which it benefited during the last years before it was reduced by the Saudi authorities, for all countries, and this in due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
