The Gambia International Airlines (GIA) has explained the rationale behind the increase of its 2013 Hajj package, which jumped from D136, 500 in 2012 to D169, 000, this year.

In an interview with the Daily Observer Monday, the public relations officer of the GIA, Baboucarr Fatty, said the increment is as a result of foreign exchange volatility and the global economic problems that propelled global inflation. He explained that the new package is inclusive of air transportation to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, hotel reservation and accommodations in the cities of Mecca and Medina, three square meals amongst others.

Asked if the announcement of the increment was late, the GIA PRO argued that it is not, given that intending pilgrims have about two months to go. However, he admitted that the announcement could have come earlier than now. "But nonetheless quite a good number of the intending pilgrims have already paid D80, 000 and it's just a matter of completing the D169, 000.

"We are players in the field, we do hajj every year and find out the cost of aircraft, accommodation in Mecca and Medina and compare them. Last year, we were relatively very low and this year the fuels worldwide have increased," he further stated. He told the Daily Observer that stakeholders who matter in the hajj operations like The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the government and the consular general in Saudi Arabia were involved before the announcement was effected.

While pointing out that the GIA package is relatively low compared to others in the sub-region, Fatty used the opportunity to commend the government for playing an important role in ensuring a fair price.