Fly to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan in an air ambulance

Reading Time: 3 minutes

After two years of restrictions, government regulations and Covid-19-related fears, various countries are finally easing into a seemingly normal lifestyle. For over 24 months, major events, holidays and celebrations happened under lockdown and now, finally, people from across the world can spend important moments with their loved ones.

Muslims across the world are rejoicing at the easing of regulations since they came just in time for Ramadan, the most important time of the year for the Muslim community. Ramadan is the month during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Dedicated to spiritual rejuvenation, it is a month of giving, sharing and togetherness, with family and community gatherings taking place every day.

Ramadan sharing

Saudi Arabia opens its borders for Umrah during Ramadan

Recently, bringing more good news to the Muslim community, Saudi Arabia announced that it is opening its borders to international travelers wishing to perform Umrah, a small pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Distinct from hajj, which is the obligatory pilgrimage, Umrah is a voluntary shorter trip and can be performed at any time of the year. However, thousands, if not, millions of Muslims choose to visit the holy city during the month of Ramadan because the rewards are multiplied, becoming the equivalent of hajj, the bigger pilgrimage.

Since most COVID-19 restrictions have now been lifted in the Kingdom, Muslims are flocking to Saudi Arabia to perform the pilgrimage. International visitors no longer have to present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test upon arrival. Proof of vaccination is not required either. Nonetheless, authorities have put in place several precautionary measures that must be followed by everyone. In the first 10 ten days of Ramadan, which began on the 2nd of April, 8.3 million Muslims visited the holy city and no COVID-19-related deaths were recorded. Within the first third of Ramadan, the Grand Mosque has been cleaned 100 times by 4000 employees, each cleaning session involving 1,300,00 liters of disinfectant and 25,000 liters of fragrance.

Medical Air Service helps the sick, injured and elderly wishing to perform Umrah during Ramadan

Visiting the holy city is a dream for Muslims, even those who are weakened because of their age or medical and physical condition. Considering the importance of the pilgrimage for Muslims, the Kingdom has an inclusive infrastructure and several free medical facilities for pilgrims. Free health services, including surgeries and dialysis, are available, facilitating the pilgrimage for the elderly, the sick and injured.

muslim pilgrimage

The problem encountered by these individuals is related to transportation to go to Saudi Arabia. With the number of pilgrims visiting Mecca during Ramadan, flights are crowded and in some cases, unavailable. Commercial flights are unable to cater to the demands of travelers with medical needs. They are not equipped with the necessary infrastructure to ensure the safe journey of people requiring medical care.

During this holy month, Medical Air Service has made its air ambulances at the disposal of pilgrims who wish to fulfill their dream of visiting the holy city, observing their fasts and participating in the different acts of worship in Mecca during Ramadan. Our air ambulances are specially equipped planes that can transport patients who are sick/injured and cannot fly commercially.

How can our air ambulances help pilgrims during Ramadan?

The air ambulances of Medical Air Service have been designed for patient transportation. They are fitted with latest medical equipment that can be found in an ICU and two medical professionals are onboard each one of our medical flights. This means that even injured or disabled pilgrims requiring a wheelchair or those who need constant medical attention can fly to Saudi Arabia in our air ambulances.

While planning the ambulance flight, our agents will ensure that travelers' medical needs are catered for and that they arrive in Saudi Arabia safe and sound to perform the pilgrimage. Our air ambulances can be made available on the same or following day of the booking being made. Upon landing, they will be able to benefit from free medical facilities in Jeddah if needed at all.

Good to know: Medical Air Service can also organize flights to Saudi Arabia for healthy passengers via private jets. These can transport large groups of people as well.

Our air ambulances are also available for pilgrims who fell sick or got infected with COVID-19 while they are in Saudi Arabia. Medical Air Service has special isolation devices and appropriate protective equipment that can transport COVID-19 positive patients back home.

air ambulance

Note: Those who are strong enough to fly commercially but need constant medical attention or professional supervision can opt for our medical escort service. One of our trained physicians, the medical escort, will accompany them during the flight to ensure that they are properly cared for.

Things to know before a solo Umrah

While Umrah trips are usually organized by an agent, they can be done solo as well. Here are some of the things that you should keep in mind:

  • Get a visa from an approved Umrah agent.
  • Citizens from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the UAE can travel to Saudi Arabia visa-free.
  • E-visas are available for certain countries.
  • Umrah can be performed on a tourist visa as well
  • Pilgrims have to apply for an Umrah permit via the Eatmarna and Tawakkalna apps.

Note: It is important to look into the different visa-related regulations before visiting Saudi Arabia.

Contact us for an air ambulance to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah

If all you need is a form of patient transportation to fulfill your dream of performing the pilgrimage during, and outside of, Ramadan, get in touch with us. Our agents are available round the clock to help you out and advise you on the best way to proceed.

Get in touch now