First batch of Hajj pilgrims to arrive in Srinagar today

Srinagar, Jun 1: The return phase of Hajj-2026 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir will commence Tuesday, June 02, with the first flight carrying 144 pilgrims scheduled to land at Srinagar International Airport.
J&K Haj Committee Chief Executive Officer Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, said the Hajj return operations for pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh will continue till June 16.
He said 4,641 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir performed Hajj this year, including 2,583 males and 2,058 females.
“A total of 3,952 pilgrims, including 21 women without Mehram, will return through the Srinagar Embarkation Point during the scheduled arrival operations,” he said.
Dr Qureshi said that among the pilgrims arriving through Srinagar, 3,631 belong to Jammu & Kashmir, while 321 pilgrims from Ladakh and one pilgrim from Punjab will also arrive via the Srinagar Embarkation Point.
The first return flight scheduled for tomorrow will carry 144 pilgrims, including 74 male and 70 female Hajis, he informed.
The CEO said 1,061 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir are also scheduled to arrive through other embarkation points across the country, including 1,010 pilgrims through Delhi, 49 through Mumbai and two through Bangalore.
All necessary arrangements have been put in place at Srinagar Airport for the reception and facilitation of the returning pilgrims.
“Transport arrangements, medical facilities, assistance counters and distribution of Zamzam water have already been arranged for the pilgrims arriving at Srinagar Airport,” Dr Qureshi said.
The return flights are commencing amid ongoing concerns regarding baggage restrictions imposed due to operational limitations at Srinagar Airport caused by runway maintenance works and temporary runway length restrictions under the existing NOTAM. (KNO)