1.1m pilgrims return as Plateau contingent awaits airlift

Over one million pilgrims have so far returned to their respective countries from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, just as 815 Plateau contingent awaits airlift.
The Kingdom’s Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) said the total number of pilgrims departing via land, air and sea ports of the Kingdom has hit 1,141,998.
The Arab News reported a statistics issued by the directorate, saying the number of pilgrims leaving by air was 1,042,305, by land 83,339 and by sea 15,954.
Blueprint reports that more than 2.3m pilgrims from across countries of the world had performed the 2018 rites.
In a related development, 814 pilgrims from Plateau are eagerly waiting for their airlift from the Kingdom back home.
The Executive Secretary of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Barr Auwal Abdullahi, said the board has concluded arraignment for the successful airlift of the pilgrims.
“We thank Allah, that all pilgrims are in good condition of health, except the old woman that died after performing hajj rites,” he said.
Meanwhile, pilgrims who were part of the guests of King Salman for hajj and Umrah programme has thanked the Saudi authorities for the welcome they received, and shared stories of the heartbreaking suffering and loss they have endured over the years at home.
King Salman praised the efficient organization of the hajj, which allowed the pilgrims “to perform their duties with ease, security and reassurance in a serene environment.”