Air India to run 230 special flights for Haj pilgrims

State-run Air India on Sunday said it will operate 230 special flights for Haj pilgrims from seven places in India -- Delhi, Srinagar, Mumbai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Nagpur and Goa -- directly to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

"A total of 230 direct flights in two phases will fly 38,000 Hajjis directly to Jeddah," the national carrier said in a statement here.

The first phase of outbound flights from India to Jeddah, that commences from August 16, will see 115 special flights from these seven places and will continue till September 17, Air India said.

The second, or the return, phase will start from September 28 and will continue till October 28, the release added.

Air India will operate a 340-seater B777-300ER aircraft during the two phases that will fly the pilgrims to and from Jeddah.

"It shall offer exclusive pre-boarding facilities and provide special meals, both on ground and in-flight to our valued pilgrims," the release said.