The inaugural umrah flight, operated by As-Safa Travel and Tours, left the country for Madinah, Saudi Arabia via Jakarta on Friday, carrying some 20 pilgrims led by the agency’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pengiran Haji Mohd Naasiruddeen bin Pengiran Haji Yusoff.
Pengiran Haji Mohd Naasiruddeen said, “Performing umrah in December is getting popular among Bruneians as the one-month school break enables them to bring their family members along.”
“Chilly weather conditions in Madinah and Makkah also attract them. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the disruption of overseas travels in the past three years, causing backlog in travels among Bruneians,” he said.
The CEO, who has over 10 years of experience in dealing with haj and umrah matters said, “Ever since we received approval from the government to operate the umrah package recently, we have received encouraging response from Bruneians”.
The travel agency held a briefing last week for the umrah pilgrims on guidelines and logistics.
The pilgrims will return to the country on December 27. – Azlan Othman
