Hajj-2025: J&K HC mulls addl flights as 2240 pilgrims left stranded

Srinagar: While the Haj-2025 flight operations are set to resume, the air travel disruptions amidst the closure of airports have left at least 2,240 Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir stranded, prompting the J&K Haj Committee to consider operating additional flights to clear the backlog.
The Executive Officer Haj Committee, Dr Shujhat Qureshi said that while pilgrims scheduled for May 14 and 15 will depart as planned, efforts are underway to accommodate those who were unable to fly earlier due to the situation.
“The ones scheduled will go first. Those who could not go earlier will be accommodated if an additional flight is arranged,” Dr Qureshi said.
The Hajj flight from Srinagar, originally slated for May 7 with 320 pilgrims onboard, was cancelled due to flight disruptions after tension between India and Pakistan escalated. Since then, cancellations continued daily, with the last flight cancellation date on May 12.
According to official data, a total of 2,240 pilgrims are now waiting to be rebooked after their scheduled flights were cancelled over the past week. The Committee is currently in talks with concerned agencies to arrange special flights aimed at clearing the backlog.
The disruptions had sparked anxiety among intending pilgrims and their families. Meanwhile, the J&K Haj Committee has assured that all affected pilgrims will be accommodated as soon as logistics are finalised