Chaos erupts in Cairo airport on swine flu rules

8/16/2009, 5:53 a.m. EDT
OMAR SINAN
The Associated Press


(AP) — CAIRO - An official at Cairo's airport says chaos erupted when dozens of passengers hoping to perform a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca were stopped by new measures to prevent the spread of swine flu.

Egypt and many other countries in the region are banning those under the age of 12 and over 65 from performing the pilgrimage to Mecca, which is especially popular during the holy month of Ramadan.

The restrictions came into force Sunday morning, prompting security to remove a number of passengers from flights after they had boarded.

Many of the passengers then refused to leave the terminal and protested, the official added on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.

Pilgrims often save for years to make the journey.
hattip Pixie