UAE Announces End of ‘Unforeseen Circumstances' with Tunisia

An Emirates A380 landing at Dubai's International Airport in September 2017.PHOTO: AFP
An Emirates A380 landing at Dubai's International Airport in September 2017.PHOTO: AFP
TT

UAE Announces End of ‘Unforeseen Circumstances' with Tunisia

An Emirates A380 landing at Dubai's International Airport in September 2017.PHOTO: AFP
An Emirates A380 landing at Dubai's International Airport in September 2017.PHOTO: AFP

The United Arab Emirates said the competent authorities have decided that "the standard processes (on passenger flights) will be reinstated to their normal state before the unforeseen circumstances” with Tunisia.

Last month, Emirates Airline imposed security measures on Tunisian women after reports of a “possible terrorist plot.” Consequently, Tunisia suspended the company's flights from and to it.

A statement by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Thursday: “Within the framework of bilateral relations with the brotherly Republic of Tunisia, and out of concerns for the safety of air navigation and the keenness to mitigate any risks or threats, as well as in the light of the extensive security communication and the information received from the Tunisian side, the competent authorities in the UAE have decided that the standard processes will be reinstated to their normal state before the unforeseen circumstances.”

The ministry added that it “appreciates the importance of joint cooperation within the framework of strong bilateral relations between the UAE and Tunisia. It values the information provided by the Tunisian side and their keenness to address all sources of concern for the UAE's national carriers, in a way that will guarantee the highest degrees of safety and security to the flights and to the passengers.”



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.