Pilgrims undertaking the Haj pilgrimage for the year 2025 are embarking for the pilgrimage from 18 airports (Embarkation Points or EPs) across the country. For convenience and ease of operations of transporting more than 1.20 lakh pilgrims over a limited window of one month, air charter operations are undertaken in two Laps, i.e, Lap-I and Lap-II. Departures under Lap-I commenced on 29.04.2025 from the following designated Embarkation Points (Airports): Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Delhi, Gaya, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Srinagar.

However, due to changing airspace conditions in the region and disruption of air travel in parts of northern India, Air Charter Operations for Haj 2025 for Lap-I scheduled from Srinagar from 07.05.2025 were affected.

On attainment of normalisation of air travel in northern India, out of 3,356 pilgrims scheduled to depart from the Srinagar EP, 1,461 pilgrims have successfully departed while for the remaining pilgrims, flight schedules are being worked out and the pilgrims would be able to embark latest by 31.05.2025 positively in Lap-II of Air Charter operations.

The first phase of departures (Lap-I) for the pilgrimage have been successfully concluded. Meanwhile, the second phase, i.e., Lap-II commenced on 10.05.2025 and is currently in progress from the following Embarkation Points (airports): Ahmedabad, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kannur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur and Srinagar

Air Charter operations are conducted in close coordination with various stakeholder Ministries and organisations as travellers embark on their spiritual journey, preparing for the sacred rites they will perform. The collective sense of devotion and anticipation among the pilgrims is palpable, as they embark on this journey of spiritual fulfillment.

All necessary arrangements are ensured for a smooth and dignified departure of the pilgrims, including logistical support, medical facilities, and coordination with airport authorities.

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SS/ISA

(Release ID: 2129665)