Srinagar, June 06: The first batch of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will leave for Saudi Arabia for the holy Hajj pilgrimage on Wednesday, for which all arrangements have been finalized, officials on Tuesday said.

Director Srinagar International Airport Kuldeep Singh Rishi told Rising Kashmir they have made special arrangements and preparations at the airport for a smooth transition of the Haj pilgrims.

“All the Pilgrims have to report at the Haj House at Bemina for completing the check-in formalities. The boarding Cards will be issued at Haj house and SpiceJet Airlines has opened a special counter for the same,” he said.

Singh said they have placed a new X-ray machine at Haj house for a screening of the check-in baggage of the passengers.

“The customs formalities will also be completed at the Haj house only, after checking. The pilgrims will be taken to the airport in air-conditioned coaches provided by the STC. The baggage of the passenger will be taken in a separate sealed container truck, he said.

Singh said the entire area for Pilgrims’ passage through the airport has been earmarked and segregated. A separate area has been also earmarked in the SHA for changing to Ahram, he said.

“A wide-bodied aircraft A340 has been deployed to carry passengers from Srinagar direct to Jeddah airport. This is a 75 M-long aircraft with a wingspan of 64 M and a seating capacity of 335,” he said.

Singh hopes that the entire operation will be carried out smoothly and we will be able to ensure a nice experience for our passengers.

This year around 12,000 people from Jammu and Kashmir are eagerly preparing for the highly anticipated Hajj pilgrimage of 2023.

This year’s Hajj operation from the airport will witness daily departures of two flights from Srinagar International Airport. Later this month, the number of daily flights may increase to three.

The return journey for the pilgrims is expected to commence on July 17, marking the conclusion of their spiritually enriching experience.

Executive Officer J&K Hajj Committee Abdul Salam Mir said the first flight of Hajj-2023 pilgrims would take off on Wednesday while the last flight would depart on June 22.He said adequate arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage at Makkah-tul-Mukarramah and Madina in Saudi Arabia for the Hujjaj Kiram,” he said.

The committee has dedicated significant efforts to ensure the provision of adequate facilities and services, for a hassle-free journey of all pilgrims