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"The special flight was for passengers going to make haj pilgrimage only," Hat Yai Airport chief Nat Hosamawin explained.

However, many more pilgrims have been stranded in Thailand after the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) ongoing protest against the government forced the closure of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

Airports of Thailand (AoT) acting president Serirat Prasutanond said his agency was trying to ensure the pilgrims reached Mecca in time.

"We have prepared 12 buses to transfer about 460 passengers from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Utapao airport where airlines can make landings," Serirat said, "We are now in contact with various airlines to inform them that Utapao is safe and they can use the airport".

He said he would also cooperate with THAI to see if more special flights to Jeddah could be arranged.

An informed source said Jeddah airport was now very busy and airlines usually had to schedule the landings there well in advance.