Srinagar, May 08: The first batch of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will leave for Saudi Arabia for the holy Hajj pilgrimage on Thursday, for which all arrangements have been finalized, officials said.
Director Srinagar International Airport, Javed Anjum said that they have made special arrangements and preparations at the airport for the 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 special counters for the same,” he said.
Anjum 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 RTC. The baggage of the passenger will be taken in a separate sealed container truck, he said.
Director 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.
The entire operation will be carried out smoothly and we will be able to ensure a nice experience for our passengers.
This year around 7008 persons from Jammu and Kashmir are eagerly preparing for the highly anticipated Hajj pilgrimage of 2024.
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.
Executive officer of the J&K Haj Committee, Dr Shujhat Quershi, said that a total of 7008 Hajj pilgrims will embark on the Hajj pilgrimage this year, of which around 6800 are going through Srinagar embarkation and over 500 through Delhi embarkation.
“6,852 pilgrims will be embarking from Srinagar, inclusive of those from Ladakh, while 541 pilgrims will depart from other airports, primarily Delhi airport. The departure of Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will commence from May 09 and in the first batch there will be 320 Haj pilgrims”, he said.
Dr Quershi said that 37 women pilgrims will also undertake the sacred journey without a Mahram, with the majority embarking from Srinagar, and that the boarding passes to custom clearance have been coordinated to ensure a hassle-free experience for the pilgrims and their families.
