OREANDA-NEWS. Malaysia Airlines' first Haj return flight has arrived home at 4.05am today. Flight MH8201, with a total of 279 pilgrims, departed Jeddah at 2pm on 10 October 2014 and arrived in KL International Airport early this morning.

Their arrival was welcomed by Lembaga Tabung Haji and Malaysia Airlines' officials.

Upon disembarkation, all pilgrims had to undergo a rigorous screening process mandated by Ministry of Health to ensure there were no cross-border transmissions of Ebola. Health counters have been set up by the ministry at the arrival gate to ensure seamless screenings for all pilgrims, including Malaysia Airlines' crew.

Malaysia Airlines' Group CEO, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said, "In Islam, performing the Haj is a blessed opportunity from the Al-Mighty. We wish to congratulate all our pilgrims on the successful completion of their pilgrimage and welcome home."

He added, "Malaysia Airlines, together with Lembaga Tabung Haji, is committed to provide comprehensive superior and comfortable ground and in-flight service for the pilgrims. We hope that our services have provided the pilgrims a wonderful Haj experience."

For this Haj season, Malaysia Airlines operated 39 direct flights to Jeddah and Madinah, departing from seven Malaysian points, namely Kuala Lumpur (14 flights), Penang and Johor Bharu with six flights each, Kuala Terengganu and Alor Setar with five flights each, Kuching (two flights) and Kota Kinabalu (one flight), from 27 August until 27 September 2014.

Of the 39 flights, Malaysia Airlines operated 28 flights from Jeddah and 11 flights from Madinah. All Haj flights are serviced by two B777- 200.