DUBAI- Emirates (EK) announced on May 22, 2025, its decision to add 46 additional flights to accommodate the surge in demand during the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid Al Adha celebrations.
The Dubai-based airline revealed its comprehensive operational expansion from its headquarters in the UAE.
Photo: EmiratesEmirates Hajj and Eid Flights
The airline will deploy 33 special flights dedicated to serving pilgrims travelling to the holy cities of Jeddah and Medina.
These flights will operate in 2 distinct phases: the first phase runs until May 31, 2025, while the second phase spans from June 10 to June 16, 2025. The strategic scheduling ensures the airline meets the peak demand periods when thousands of Muslims embark on their once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey to Mecca.
Emirates (EK) will transport about 32,000 Hajj passengers over the three-week operational period. The airline draws these passengers from key destinations across its global network, including major cities in the United States, Pakistan, Indonesia, South Africa, Thailand, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Beyond the Hajj operations, Emirates (EK) will operate 13 additional flights serving regional destinations throughout the Eid Al Adha period. These supplementary services will connect travellers to Amman, Dammam, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
The increased capacity addresses the heightened travel demand as passengers journey to summer leisure destinations or reunite with family members for Eid celebrations.
Emirates (EK) has established dedicated airport teams in Dubai (DXB) to manage the pilgrim experience from arrival. These specialised teams guide passengers through arrival procedures, connection processes, and hotel transfers, ensuring seamless ground operations.
Photo: EmiratesHajj In-Flight Amenities
The airline introduces distinctive services for pilgrims across all cabin classes. Passengers receive specially marked ‘Hajj’ luggage tags to identify their sacred journey.
Emirates (EK) has developed a comprehensive Hajj kit that includes essential items for the pilgrimage: prayer mats for daily worship, tasbih beads for prayer and remembrance, silicone water bottles for hydration, and cushioned non-slip socks for comfort during religious observances.
The airline provides ablution-friendly facilities to accommodate ritual washing requirements. Flight attendants distribute unperfumed towels, respecting the religious customs of pilgrims who avoid fragrances during their sacred journey.
The crew makes special announcements when aircraft enter Al Miqat zones, the designated boundaries where pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram before approaching Mecca.
Returning passengers from Jeddah and Medina receive authorisation to check up to five litres of Zamzam water, the sacred water from the holy well in Mecca. The airline transports this precious cargo in designated aircraft storage areas, ensuring proper handling of the religious artefact.
Hajj Kit; Photo: EmiratesEid Al Adha Offerings
Emirates (EK) honours Eid Al Adha traditions by serving special holiday menus on flights to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East, and Europe. The airline extends these culinary enhancements across all travel classes.
Premium Cabin
Premium cabin passengers in First, Business, and Premium Economy Class enjoy traditional dishes including Lamb Madfoon and Chicken Zurbian. These passengers also receive exclusive desserts: Pistachio and Chocolate Nammoura Cake alongside White Chocolate and Rahash Mousse cake.
Economy Class travellers receive specially prepared Pistachio Cake and Coffee Cake, ensuring all passengers experience the festive culinary traditions regardless of their cabin class.
Eid Al Adha Meal; Photo: EmiratesDelicacies
First and Business Class passengers traveling on Emirates A380 aircraft access an enhanced experience in the Onboard Lounge. The airline stocks a comprehensive selection of Emirati desserts and provides unlimited Arabic Coffee service throughout the flight.
Emirates (EK) presents desserts across all travel classes in unique celebratory packaging. The special boxes contain bite-sized delicacies, including Cake Rangeena, Pistachio Rehash Cake, and traditional Date Mamoul cookies.
Photo: EmiratesPremium Lounge in Jeddah
Emirates operates a dedicated lounge in Jeddah specifically for First and Business Class passengers. The lounge menu features regional specialties including Lamb Mathlouta, Lamb Saleeg, Henaini, and Cheese Kunafa, providing passengers with authentic local cuisine before their departure.
The airline’s ICE entertainment system offers extensive Arabic content during the Eid Al Adha period. Passengers can access over 2,000 movies from global cinema, with more than 75 titles available in Arabic. The selection includes both classic films and recent releases such as Abo Nasab, Al Mazra’a, and Al Ankaboot.
Emirates (EK) provides up to 50 Arabic series channels, featuring exclusive content from Shahid, including Al Bath, Trad, and Sadaf. The entertainment system also includes Turkish series dubbed in Arabic, such as Tout El Aswad and Al Uqda.
Audio entertainment encompasses 15 Arabic podcasts and audiobook channels, complete recitations of The Holy Qur’an, and over 500 Arabic music channels spanning genres including pop, classics, Khaleeji, Maghrebi, and fusion styles.
Photo: EmiratesDuty-Free Shopping
Emirates RED launches its summer catalogue featuring 200 luxury products from prestigious brands including Hermes, Cartier, Tom Ford, Creed, and Jo Malone. The catalogue caters to passengers seeking last-minute gifts for family and friends.
The airline offers pre-ordering services through EmiratesRED.com, delivering purchases directly to passenger seats during flights. This service operates on most flights, with shopping windows opening 21 days before departure and closing 40 hours before takeoff.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
Emirates Debuts Airbus A350 to 5th Largest City in Arab World
The post Emirates Adds 46 More Flights for Hajj and Eid appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
