JEDDAH – Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has said it has so far been unable to schedule its flights to transport Qatari pilgrims from Hamad International Airport in Doha due to lack of landing permission from the latter’s side.

The airlines’ Director General, Saleh Al-Jasser, said that Qatari authorities have not allowed the Saudia planes to land despite days having passed since the request was submitted.

The airlines had asked Qatari authorities for permission for their trips to transport Qatari pilgrims, which were scheduled after directives from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. The directives were issued after mediation by Qatar’s Sheikh Abdullah Bin Ali Al Thani

Meanwhile, a number of Qatari pilgrims expressed their happiness upon arrival in Saudi Arabia through the Salwa border crossing to perform pilgrimage this year.

They did so whilst noting the role of the Kingdom in the service of the two holy mosques and the services and facilities provided to them at the border crossing.

They praised the good reception they received upon arrival. They also stressed that their passage into the border post from the passport lounge all the way to customs was swift and no obstacles were faced.

The Saudi Press Agency toured the Salwa border crossing and met a number of Qatari pilgrims.

Ali Bin Masoud Al-Marri expressed his happiness to travel to Makkah to perform Haj this year. He also praised the services and facilities provided by Salwa border crossing. “We did not face any obstacles while passing through,” he said.

Al Marri prayed to Allah Almighty to prolong the life of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, stressing the unity and brotherhood between the Saudi and Qatari people.

Qatari pilgrims Obeid Jaber and Salim Bin Rashed Al-Marri said that the traffic in the border crossing from the passport lounge to customs was very easy, without any obstacles. They praised the Kingdom’s role in serving the two holy mosques. – SPA/Al-Arabiya