Srinagar, April 13 : The first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will depart from Srinagar International Airport on April 18, with the embarkation process continuing until May 20.
Dr Shujat Ahmed, Executive Officer of the Hajj Committee of Jammu and Kashmir told Kashmir Convener, a total of 4,704 pilgrims from the Union Territory will undertake the pilgrimage this year.
Of these, 3,990 pilgrims — including 323 from Ladakh — will fly out directly from Srinagar. Another 1,000 pilgrims will travel via Delhi, while 50 have opted for the Mumbai embarkation point.
Dr Ahmed said flight operations from Srinagar will be spread over 10-15 days, though schedules remain subject to change based on operational requirements.
In a significant departure from previous years, Saudi authorities have introduced stricter health screening norms. Pilgrims with serious medical conditions — including renal failure, those requiring dialysis, or with critical cardiac issues — have been screened out this time.
Self-cooking facilities for pilgrims have also been discontinued. Instead, the committee will arrange for prepared meals.
Each pilgrim will be issued a smartwatch equipped with a SIM-enabled tracking system, aimed at better monitoring and coordination during the pilgrimage.
Due to ongoing repair work at Srinagar airport, flights will operate with reduced passenger capacity. This will necessitate refuelling halts in Delhi before the aircraft proceed to Madinah.
The luggage allowance has also been reduced from 40 kg to 25 kg per pilgrim, Dr Ahmed added.
Meanwhile, accommodation has been arranged at the Hajj House for pilgrims arriving from far-flung areas, including Jammu and Ladakh, allowing them to stay ahead of their scheduled departure dates.
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