Hajj Flights Set To Throw Their Wings In Full Gear From May 4

Srinagar: The much-awaited Hajj 2025 flights from Srinagar are set to begin on May 4, with the first batch of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir departing for Saudi Arabia. The flights will operate from Srinagar International Airport until May 15, 2025. Efforts are underway to ensure that the journey for the pilgrims is as smooth and comfortable as possible, with various special arrangements being made for the seamless facilitation of this sacred journey.
Hajj Flights Schedule, Arrangements: Javed Anjum, the Director Srinagar International Airport told Kashmir Horizon that all preparations are in full swing for the Hajj 2025 season. “All pilgrims are required to report at the Hajj House in Bemina for check-in. Boarding passes will be issued at dedicated counters, and new X-ray machines will be installed at the Hajj House for baggage screening,” Anjum said. He also assured that the customs formalities will be completed at the Hajj House itself, thereby streamlining the process for pilgri After customs clearance, pilgrims will be transported to the airport in air-conditioned coaches provided by the RTC, while their baggage will be shifted separately in sealed container trucks to ensure security and efficiency. Additionally, the airport will have a dedicated passageway to manage the movement of pilgri A separate area within the Security Hold Area (SHA) will be designated for pilgrims to change into their Ihram, making the process more convenient and organized. “We aim to offer a smooth and pleasant travel experience to all our pilgrims,” Anjum said.
Decline In Hajj Applications For 2025: Despite the arrangements being made to facilitate the pilgrims, there has been a significant drop in the number of Hajj applications from Jammu and Kashmir this year. Economic pressures have been a major contributing factor to the decline. Only 4,100 applications were received in 2025, marking a steep 48% reduction compared to the previous year, when 8,147 people applied. This declining trend has been ongoing for several years, with more than 35,000 applications in 2017, 21,500 in 2019, and around 12,000 in 2023. Of the 4,100 applications received this year, 3,622 applicants have been selected for the pilgrimage, including 21 women under the Mahram quota (which allows women to travel with male relatives they cannot marry). However, over 700 applicants later withdrew from the process, reportedly due to financial constraints.
Hajj Quota For J&K: India’s total Hajj quota for 2025 stands at 1,75,025 seats, of which 1,22,550 are managed by the Haj Committee of India. Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated approximately 4.89% of the total quota, including 2,000 additional seats. This brings the region’s total Hajj quota to around 7,981 seats, which reflects a modest increase in the number of pilgrims from the region.
Divisional Commissioner Reviews Arrangements: To ensure that the pilgrims have a hassle-free experience, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements for Hajj 2025. He instructed all concerned departments and agencies to coordinate their efforts for the smooth facilitation of the pilgri The meeting was attended by key officials from various departments, including Police, Emigration, Customs, R&B, PHE, KPDCL, Traffic, Transport, and Health, as well as representatives from the Hajj Committee. Bidhuri emphasized the importance of activating Hajj Cells in district offices to monitor and facilitate preparations. He also urged the Health Department to set up medical camps in districts for the timely vaccination of pilgri These camps will ensure that all selected pilgrims are vaccinated and receive their vaccination certificates well ahead of their travel.
Health And Vaccination Preparations: In line with the Divisional Commissioner’s directions, the Health Department is working to establish medical camps for pilgrims across Jammu and Kashmir. These camps will focus on vaccinating all pilgrims to protect them from preventable diseases before they embark on their journey. The timely issuance of vaccination certificates is crucial to ensure that pilgrims can meet the health requirements for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Foreign Exchange, Civil Amenities: Ensuring that pilgrims have access to foreign exchange for their travel is another priority. The Divisional Commissioner has directed J&K Bank to ensure adequate foreign exchange is available at the Hajj House and Srinagar Airport. This will help prevent any inconvenience for pilgrims needing Saudi currency for their travel and expenses in Saudi Arabia. In addition, civil amenities at the Hajj House in Bemina are being given special attention. The Divisional Commissioner instructed the PHE, KPDCL, and SMC to ensure uninterrupted electricity, water supply, and sanitation services at the Hajj House. He also called for the immediate repair of internal roads to ensure smooth transportation for pilgri For pilgrims coming from Jammu and Ladakh, arrangements for boarding and lodging are being made, keeping in mind the road and weather conditions.
Traffic, Transportation Plans: A seamless transportation plan is being implemented to ensure that pilgrims and their luggage are transported smoothly from the Hajj House to Srinagar Airport. The Traffic Department has been tasked with coordinating the movement of buses carrying pilgrims and their luggage, while also ensuring smooth travel for vehicles ferrying pilgrims from Ladakh to Srinagar. The Divisional Commissioner also instructed the SSP Traffic Rural to monitor the smooth flow of traffic and to ensure that there are no disruptions in the movement of vehicles.
Coordination, Communication Among Deptts: In order to maintain effective communication among all the departments involved in Hajj preparations, the Divisional Commissioner proposed the creation of a dedicated WhatsApp group. This group will allow officers to share timely updates and information about flight schedules, logistics, and other important advisories related to the Hajj pilgrimage. With all these arrangements in place, the authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage from Jammu and Kashmir is a smooth, efficient, and memorable experience for all the pilgri
Temporary Deputation Of Police Personnel To Saudi Arabia: In a bid to enhance the security and management of the Hajj pilgrimage, the Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the temporary deputation of 36 police personnel to the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to serve as Hajj Officers and Hajj Superintendents during the Hajj 2025 season. The selection was made following recommendations from the Ministry of Minority Affairs (Haj Division) and approvals from the J&K Police Headquarters and CID. This decision was formalized through Government Order No. 205-Home of 2025, issued on April 16, 2025, by the Civil Secretariat, Jammu and Kashmir. Among the 36 police personnel are three Superintendents of Police (SPs) — Peerzada Aijaz Ahmed, Ruhail Mircha, and Mohd Muzaffer Jan — alongside 11 Inspectors, 5 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 13 Selection Grade Constables, and 4 Constables.
Challenges Related To Haj Quotas, Saudi Authorities’ Decisions: Amidst all the preparations, recent reports highlighted concerns over a cut or cancellation of 50,000 slots for Indian pilgrims by Saudi authorities. This prompted political leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to urge the Central government to intervene. The Ministry of Minority Affairs clarified that the loss of over 52,500 slots was due to the failure of more than 800 private tour operators, also known as Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs), who failed to meet critical Saudi deadlines. These operators were unable to finalize contracts for Mina camps, accommodation, and transportation despite repeated reminders. India’s annual Hajj quota, determined by Saudi authorities, increased from 136,020 in 2014 to 175,025 in 2025. Of this, 1,22,518 pilgrims will be managed by the Haj Committee of India, with the remaining slots allocated to private tour operators. Despite the setbacks, the Ministry confirmed that all necessary arrangements, including flights, transport, and services, were completed in line with Saudi guidelines, leaving the failure of the CHGOs as the main issue affecting the quota distribution. With these combined efforts and ongoing preparations, the authorities are working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and efficient Hajj pilgrimage for all selected pilgrims in 2025.