India has approved four new embarkation points for pilgrims for the Hajj, taking the total number of embarkation points to 25 this year.
The newly added embarkation points include two in the southern state of Kerala which accounts for the largest number of expats working in the Gulf region.
Kannur and Calicut in Kerala are the new airports of embarkation for Keralites.
Two other airports newly approved for Hajj pilgrims are Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh and Agartala in Tripura.
“The final number of embarkation points will be subject to a minimum number of passengers opting for an airport and the feasibility of setting up of the related infrastructure,” India’s Minister of Minority Affairs, Smriti Zubin Irani, told Parliament, India’s law-making body.
“Pilgrims have been given options to travel from 25 embarkation points for Hajj 2023,” Irani said.
She said that during interactive sessions with stakeholders, including Hajj Committees in states, demands for more embarkation points were received.
After analysing all the feedback, new airports for Hajj departures were added to reduce the difficulties pilgrims face due to fewer embarkation points.
Kerala already has a third designated Hajj departure airport, Cochin.
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