AI to transport Haj pilgrims from 24 December to 11 January

James Paul
08 December 2003

Kochi: The first flight carrying Haj pilgrims from Kerala will take off from Karipur Airport on 24 December with all arrangements already in place for the holy pilgrimage season. As many as 7,658 pilgrims from Kerala will embark on the religious trip under the aegis of the government while another 7,000 will go through private tour operators.

The first Air India flight, carrying 410 pilgrims, will leave at 1100 hours on 24 December and the preparations have been completed for the Haj camp at Kumminiparambu EMEA College, according to official sources. The final flight will be on 11 January.

Under the State Haj Committee, 4,091 men and 3,567 women have been selected, besides 124 from the Lakshadweep Islands. As many as 225 have been chosen as volunteers to help the pilgrims.

The pilgrims will be vaccinated on 10, 11 and 12 December, says Haj Committee CEO TO Sooraj. Special committees have been formed to take care of pilgrims at the holy places and other related destinations, says Haj Committee chairman K Alikutty Musliar.

The All-India Haj Umrah Tour Organisers' Association, in the meantime, has taken strong exception to the hike in fare by Air-India and the 'step-motherly treatment' meted out to the pilgrims who have arranged their travel through private operators.

The association's Kerala zone president P K Mohammedkutty Musliar says over 7,000 people from the state have booked with the association's tour operators this year. "The fare was hiked by Rs 4,000 this time for us while leaving out those under the Haj Committee. The schedule chart and seat allotments are yet to be given to us."