CM Abdullah welcomes first batch of 178 Hajj flight from J&K

Srinagar, June 17: The first batch of 178 Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir returned home from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday evening after completing their sacred pilgrimage. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, along with senior officials, personally welcomed the pilgrims at the Srinagar International Airport.
Among those present to receive the pilgrims were Deputy Commissioner Budgam, SSP Budgam, Executive Officer J&K Haj Committee Dr. Shujaat Qureshi, Director Srinagar International Airport, and other dignitaries.
CM Omar Abdullah greeted the returning pilgrims and congratulated them on completing their holy journey. During his interaction, he enquired about the arrangements made during their pilgrimage and wished them well.
“By the grace of Almighty Allah, the first batch of Hajj pilgrims has returned safely,” CM Omar told reporters outside the airport. “My colleagues and I had the privilege of welcoming them. I am grateful to the pilgrims for praying for Jammu and Kashmir, and I pray that their prayers are accepted.”
On the reopening of public gardens in Kashmir, the Chief Minister welcomed the step and expressed hope that it would boost tourism. “We are optimistic that tourists will return to the Valley in greater numbers,” he said.
Regarding the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, Omar Abdullah hoped for a peaceful pilgrimage but expressed concern over the suspension of helicopter services this year. “It’s unfortunate and sends the wrong message to the rest of the country about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked.
Dr. Shujaat Qureshi, Executive Officer of the J&K Haj Committee, said all necessary arrangements were in place to ensure a smooth return for the pilgrims. The Haj House in Bemina had earlier issued a notification allowing families to download vehicle passes via the official website, two days before the scheduled flight.
According to the notification, immigration clearance and baggage collection take approximately one hour after arrival. Details of the remaining return flights will be communicated separately, officials said.
Emotional and joyous scenes unfolded at the Srinagar Airport as families embraced their loved ones after the spiritually significant journey. The second return flight is expected to arrive on June 26, with additional flights scheduled in the following days.
Despite the successful arrangements, Hajj applications from Jammu and Kashmir have seen a sharp decline this year. Only 4,100 applications were received in 2025, a 48% drop from 8,147 in 2024.
The downward trend has been consistent over recent years: over 35,000 applications in 2017, 21,500 in 2019, and around 12,000 in 2023. Of the 2025 applicants, 3,622 were selected, including 21 women under the Mahram (without male guardian) quota. However, more than 700 selected pilgrims later withdrew, mostly citing financial difficulties.
India’s overall Hajj quota for 2025 is 1,75,025, with 1,22,550 seats managed by the Haj Committee of India. Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated approximately 4.89% of the national quota, including 2,000 additional seats, raising the total to around 7,981.
Authorities have urged families and prospective pilgrims to stay in touch with the J&K Haj Committee for further updates and flight schedules in the coming weeks.