777way From Pakistan, joined Dec 2005, 5163 posts, RR: 4 Posted (6 years 4 weeks 21 hours ago) and read 1286 times:
Some one has posted Jeddah with 28 April launch date at wikipedia, I know the site is not a relaible at times but when dates are added the information usually turns out to be true, its also showing Sharjah resuming on the same date.
Other new additions are Ashkabad(Turkmenistan), Osh(Kyrghystan), Khujand(Tajikistan) Astana and Ust-Kamenogorsk(both in Kazakhstan), Khabarovsk and Irkutsk in Eastern Russia.
PanAm747 From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 4242 posts, RR: 10 Reply 3, posted (6 years 3 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 1117 times:
Jeddah is an interesting choice - it is the airport that Muslims on hajj would use, but not business people (Riyadh or Dharan).
However, given that the flight is originating in Urumqi in the far west of China, one must assume that some number of Muslims will be making the hajj on a regular basis.
And not to get too political, but considering China's increasing demand for oil, I could see this flight as a trade-off for easing religious restrictions for possible oil deals later...
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CV580Freak From Bahrain, joined Jul 2005, 1033 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (6 years 3 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 1099 times:
Quoting PanAm747 (Reply 3): Jeddah is an interesting choice - it is the airport that Muslims on hajj would use, but not business people (Riyadh or Dharan).
Jeddah is a massive commercial centre and the largest seaport for KSA and not just a Haj destination.
One day you are the pigeon, the next the statue ...
777way From Pakistan, joined Dec 2005, 5163 posts, RR: 4 Reply 5, posted (6 years 3 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 1097 times:
People from Xinjiang Autonomous Region have been performing Hajj and Umra throughout since China eased things back in the 90's, so far they have been flying via Pakistan and Afghanistan as it works out cheaper to travel there for visa and connecting flights than Beijing.
But now that Saudi's will only be issuing Pilgrimage visas from Beijing, these people will have to incurr double expenes travelling back and forth, more so if they catch flights from the east so in a way this new service is odd.
Saudi Arabian, Emirates or Qatar Airways should look into launching direct flights to Urumqi its the only big city in China's west and lacks a suitable link to the Middle East, PIA operated theer for a few months in 2005/06, others flying there are S7, Azerbiajn Airlines, Ariana, Tajikistan Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, Korean Air.
AH332 From Algeria, joined Mar 2007, 276 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (6 years 3 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 1085 times:
Hi,
Quoting PanAm747 (Reply 3): However, given that the flight is originating in Urumqi in the far west of China, one must assume that some number of Muslims will be making the hajj on a regular basis.
Hajj happens only once a year, each year being 10 days earlier than the year before (The Islamic calendar follows the Lunar calendar). Umrah can be done anytime of the year and maybe that's what you were referring to.
I know there is a decent sized Muslim community in China. I don't what part of China it is, but if Urumqi is in that part of China, then a JED flight could work. Anyway, whatever the case good luck to CZ on their expansion!
Cheers,
Imad
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MD90fan From Bahamas, joined Jul 2005, 2931 posts, RR: 7 Reply 7, posted (6 years 3 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 1071 times:
Quoting PanAm747 (Reply 3): Jeddah is an interesting choice - it is the airport that Muslims on hajj would use, but not business people (Riyadh or Dharan).
JED is the largest urban center for KSA, in addition to being the primary gateway for Muslims making pilgrimages.
Quoting AH332 (Reply 6): I know there is a decent sized Muslim community in China. I don't what part of China it is, but if Urumqi is in that part of China, then a JED flight could work
China has roughly 19.6 million muslims, Urumqi is the center of their community.
PanAm747 From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 4242 posts, RR: 10 Reply 9, posted (6 years 3 weeks 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 1048 times:
Quote: Jeddah is a massive commercial centre and the largest seaport for KSA and not just a Haj destination.
Very true - and I did not mean to imply that it was ONLY an airport for pilgrims. But what is the business tie with Urumqi? Anyone know?
Quote: But now that Saudi's will only be issuing Pilgrimage visas from Beijing, these people will have to incurr double expenes travelling back and forth, more so if they catch flights from the east so in a way this new service is odd.
Agreed. I did not know that about the Chinese government, but it doesn't surprise me.
So again, what would be the purpose of this flight?
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777way From Pakistan, joined Dec 2005, 5163 posts, RR: 4 Reply 10, posted (6 years 3 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 954 times:
The only logical answer to this service would be that Urumqi now has a Saudi Consulate or Saudi visas are being issued through some Chinese authority there probably the airline itslef is playing a role, doubt if they are getting visas on arrival in Jeddah.
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From Pakistan, joined Dec 2005, 5163 posts, 
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