Leading Indian airline Air India said on Monday it will fly around 19,000 Hajj pilgrims from four destinations in India to Jeddah and Medina in Saudi Arabia.
The airline kicked off its Hajj operations this year on Sunday, with the first Air India flight -AI5451 – taking off from Jaipur International Airport to Medina.
During the first phase of the operations, the airline will be operating 46 flights from Jaipur and Chennai to Medina and Jeddah, respectively, from May 21 June 21.
During the second phase, the Indian full service carrier will be bringing back the pilgrims from Jeddah and Medina to Jaipur and Chennai operating 43 flights from July 3 to August 2.
The number of pilgrims scheduled to fly with Air India from Jaipur is 5,871 on 27 flights, while 4,447 pilgrims will be flown from Chennai on 19 flights. Overall, a total of 10,318 passengers will be flown by Air India to Saudi Arabia with its Boeing 787 and Airbus 321neo aircraft, the airline said in a statement.
Its sister airline Air India Express will be deploying its B737-800 aircraft to operate flights from Kozhikode and Kannur from June 4 to 22.
The budget carrier will operate 44 flights from Kozhikode to Jeddah – carrying 6,363 passengers and 13 flights between Kannur and Jeddah carrying 1,873 passengers during the first phase.
A total of 8,236 passengers will be flown by Air India Express operating 57 flights during the first phase.
In the second phase, from July 13 to August 2, Air India Express will fly back the pilgrims from Medina to Kozhikode and Kannur.
Commenting on the joint operations, Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD said, “Our collective effort with Air India Express is to provide unparalleled comfort and convenience to the passengers on this pilgrimage.”
“We have taken special efforts to boost our on-ground teams at the relevant airports to ensure special care for all our valued guests on these flights,” he added.
Extensive arrangements: Air India and Air India Express have said they have also mobilised all resources to make extensive arrangements for ensuring a smooth and seamless travel experience for the pilgrims of the Hajj flights being operated by them.
Dedicated on-ground teams: The airlines have set up special teams comprising experienced professionals at all four stations in India and also at Jeddah and Medina from where the flights will be operating to focus on every aspect of operations from departure to arrival.
In addition, a dedicated control centre has been established for constant monitoring and coordination of these flights.
Special arrangements for senior citizens: The two airlines have also made special initiatives to ensure that the elderly pilgrims receive special care and attention.
The airlines said they also arranged smooth check-in facilities, baggage handling facilitation and refreshment provisions for the added convenience of pilgrims.
Availability of Zamzam water: Air India and Air India Express will be bringing Zamzam water on the return ferry flights to India.
This will be stored at the four destinations operated by them in India, on arrival. The holy water will be finally handed over to the pilgrims after they land back in their home destinations.
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