Hajj flights resume from Srinagar

Hajj flights from summer capital Srinagar to Saudi Arabia, which were suspended due to floods, were resumed Saturday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.

"Hajj flights from Srinagar to Saudi Arabia have been resumed from today (Saturday) and two flights took off from the Srinagar International Airport carrying 275 pilgrims in each flight," Omar Abdullah said.

Wishing well being and successful Hajj to the pilgrims, the chief minister said that flood and torrential rains affected the normal Hajj flight schedule, but it is heartening that we have been able to resume the process from today (Saturday).

He expressed hope that all the remaining Hajj pilgrims would undertake the holy journey from Srinagar smoothly.

The Minister for Hajj and Auqaf, Peerzada Mohammad Syeed saw off the pilgrims at the Srinagar Airport and wished them successful journey and good health.

He said that all facilities are being extended to the pilgrims.

Syeed said: "Due to floods, Hajj flights had to be rescheduled and today (Saturday) they were resumed with two flights carrying 550 pilgrims.

"In all 13 flights carrying 3,775 pilgrims starting from today would take off from Srinagar Airport to Saudi Arabia.

"Flights will also take place on 21st, 22nd, 24th, 25th, 26th and the last flight is scheduled to take off on 27th September. However, there will be no Hajj flights on Sep 23."