Emirates officials said a proposed ban on elderly and children performing Hajj this year would not affect their passenger loads if it is enforced.  The Dubai airline was commenting regarding an agreement announced last week between Arab health ministers to restrict certain people from travelling in order to minimize the risk of transmission of the H1N1 virus.  

About three million Muslims will arrive in Mecca this November for Hajj and Middle East countries are concerned some will have the H1N1 virus.   Saudi authorities have yet to officially approve the proposed ban.   Emirates Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations in the Gulf, Middle East, and Iran clarified “Emirates will transport pilgrims holding valid Hajj visas.   As with previous years we expect a high volume of passengers to travel to Saudi Arabia with Emirates for Hajj, and have obtained special permission from the Saudi authorities to operate extra flights specially designated for Hajj pilgrims only during this period.”