RIYADH: The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation has warned airlines against transporting female pilgrims under the age of 45 without a legal guardian (mahram), daily Saudi Gazette reported.

According to a report in the daily, women violating the rule will be sent back and the airlines concerned will be fined SR50,000 ($13,331).

Such airlines will also have to bear the expenses for any violating passenger’s stay at the airport’s transit area until they are sent home.

An official of a Haj company told the Gazette that the problem was created by Haj agencies in other countries.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2014