Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Considerations include maintenance of the holy sites, such as replenishing the water of
the Zamzam well, and ensuring adequate accommodation, drinking water, guidance and
sanitation. Special pilgrim flights are scheduled by Saudi Arabian airlines, and at the
height of hajj, planes arrive at Jeddah airport every minute. Boarding passes are issued
two months in advance, and multilingual cabin crews are trained to assist pilgrims (many
who haven't flown before) on flights.
As soon as one hajj ends, preparations for the next hajj begin.
Protecting Health
One of the biggest challenges Saudi authorities face during hajj is the control of health
risks. Many pilgrims tend to be seriously ill or elderly, often having waited a lifetime to
make the journey, and death is not uncommon during hajj. In addition, authorities are on
constant alert for signs of infectious disease. An international outbreak of meningitis fol-
lowing hajj in 1987 showed how easily disease can spread among high densities of people
and many pilgrims return home with the infamous 'hajj cough'.
Many older pilgrims feel that if they pass away during hajj, especially perhaps after a lifetime of saving
towards the journey, then this is Allah's will and the ultimate blessing.
Various measures are in place to mitigate against the risk of epidemic, including oblig-
atory vaccinations for pilgrims. Certificates are checked meticulously upon entry to Saudi
and if pilgrims are found without them, vaccinations are administered on the spot. If pil-
grims refuse, they are deported.
To cope with the health challenges of hajj, more than 20,000 health workers are annu-
ally drafted in to help give vaccinations and dispense free medical treatment. In Mecca
and Medina alone, 21 hospitals remain on constant standby during hajj.
 
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