Haj Flights from Vijayawada to Jeddah
The Haj pilgrimage from Andhra Pradesh is set to commence on June 7, marking an important journey for pilgrims in the state. The inaugural flight, carrying 155 pilgrims, will depart from Vijayawada Airport at 9 am and arrive in Jeddah at 2.45 pm. This year’s pilgrimage holds significance as it is the first time Andhra Pradesh has been designated as an embarkation point since the state’s bifurcation in 2014. Let’s explore the details of this auspicious event and the preparations made by the state government.
Elaborate Arrangements and the Chief Minister’s Presence:
The state government is leaving no stone unturned in making elaborate arrangements for the Haj pilgrimage. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is expected to personally flag off the first flight, symbolizing the government’s support and commitment to ensuring a smooth and memorable journey for the pilgrims. This gesture reflects the significance of the pilgrimage and the government’s dedication to facilitating a seamless experience.
Increased Flights from Gannavaram Airport:
Gannavaram Airport in Vijayawada is all set to witness a surge in flight operations to cater to the needs of approximately 2,015 Haj pilgrims. A total of 13 flights will be operated from this airport, ensuring convenient travel for the pilgrims. The availability of a local embarkation point eliminates the need for pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh to travel to airports in Hyderabad, Chennai, or Bengaluru, which they had been doing for the past eight years. This development brings immense relief and convenience to the pilgrims and their families.
Pilgrimage Suspension and the Impact of Covid-19:
It is important to note that the Haj pilgrimage was suspended in both 2021 and 2022 due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The temporary halt in this significant religious journey was a necessary measure to safeguard the health and well-being of the pilgrims and the community at large. However, with the situation improving, the resumption of the pilgrimage this year brings renewed hope and excitement among the faithful.
Reduced Number of Applicants:
This year, a notable decline in the number of Haj applicants has been observed. Only a waiting list of 17 individuals remained, as some applicants cancelled their applications for medical or personal reasons. Mehmood Ali Khan, the executive officer of the Rajasthan State Haj Committee, confirmed that all individuals on the waiting list have been accommodated. This decrease in applicants can be attributed to changes made by the government that affected the application process. Previously, there was a provision where individuals who had applied for three consecutive years without being selected would automatically be chosen in the fourth year. This provision had contributed to a higher number of applications in the past.
Flight Schedule and Quota Allocation:
From Jaipur’s Sanganer airport, the first flight for Haj pilgrims this year departed on Sunday, carrying 253 passengers. The flight schedule includes one daily departure until May 27, after which two flights will take off daily for the following ten days. In total, 27 flights will be utilized to accommodate approximately 6,000 Haj pilgrims. This streamlined schedule ensures efficient transportation and a smooth experience for all participants.
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