PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) Charter services between Kuala Lumpur and Madinah has commenced operation today with the departure of Flight MH8211D from Prince Mohammad Abdulaziz Airport at 8.15am today.
"It is expected to arrive at KL International Airport at 9.55pm tonight.
"MH8202 departed Kuala Lumpur at 3:15pm today and is expected to arrive in Madinah at 7.15pm," said MAS in a statement today.
It said MAS had mounted two additional flights on Dec 5 and 7, utilising its A330 aircraft to accommodate the backlog of passengers.
"A few more are scheduled in the next few days. The airline's Umrah service have been experiencing delays due to the grounding of one aircraft for unscheduled maintenance," it said, expressing regret for the disruption in the travel plans of affected pilgrims.
"The safety of our passengers and crew remains of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines.”
A large group of pilgrims was reported to have been stranded at KLIA here since Sunday.
Affected pilgrims had been provided with hotel accomodations, food and drinks, while waiting for MAS to sort out the backlog.