First batch of 431 pilgrims to depart, officials
First-time 160 pilgrims to perform short-duration Hajj, return in 20 days
Special arrangements in place for smooth journey: Airport Director
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: The first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will leave for Saudi Arabia for the holy Hajj pilgrimage on Saturday, for which all arrangements have been finalized, officials said.
The first batch of 431 pilgrims will depart from Srinagar on April 18, marking the beginning of Hajj 2026 for more than 4,700 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir.
Executive Officer, Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee, Dr Shujaat Qureshi, said three flights, QP-7521, QP-7520, and QP-7519, will operate on the opening day on Saturday from Haj House, Bemina, with fixed reporting slots to ensure smooth arrangements.
“145 pilgrims for flight QP-7521 will report between 6:00 am and 6:30 am, 143 pilgrims for QP-7520 between 8:15 am and 8:45 am, and 144 pilgrims for QP-7519 between 9:00 am and 9:30 am,” he said.
Qureshi said a total of 4,704 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will perform Hajj this year, of whom around 3,900 will depart from the Srinagar embarkation point, while the remaining will travel via Mumbai and New Delhi.
“The first flight is scheduled at 12 am, and a total of 28 flights will operate from Srinagar to Madina. Pilgrims have been advised to report at the Hajj House, Bemina, at least six hours before departure, as there is no direct reporting at the airport,” he said.
Qureshi added that around 160 pilgrims will perform the short-duration Hajj and are expected to return within 20 days. It is the first time that such a time frame is allowed,” he added.
Pilgrims have been advised to strictly follow the reporting timings to facilitate hassle-free processing and timely departures.
The Hajj Committee has advised all pilgrims to strictly adhere to the stipulated reporting timings to ensure smooth processing and timely departures from the embarkation point.
Director Srinagar International Airport, Javed Anjum said that 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 special counters for the same,” he said.
Anjum said they have placed a new X-ray machine at Hajj house for 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.
The director said the entire area for Pilgrims’ passage through the airport has been earmarked and segregated. A separate area has also been 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.
