Saudi Airlines has decided to start the fight services of 19 carriers between Karnataka and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia till December 29, this year. According to airlines official, this step has been taken to fly Haj pilgrims from Karnataka and other southern states to Saudi Arabia. The first batch of Haj pilgrims were flown off on November 17. On the other hand, Air India has also decided to operate its four chartered flight service from India to Saudi Arabia. Both the carriers will also execute their return flight services from Saudi Arabia to India. The returns flights will be available from December 31 to January 12.   

 

Implementation of additional flights is likely to reduce the troubles of thousands of pilgrims who visit Mecca every year to offer special prayers. The Saudi Airlines has been provided the grounding facilities by the Air India.  Air India is also reported to installed luggage check-in counters for the convenience of the Haj pilgrims. The setting up of check-in counters will reduce traffic and last minute rush. Official sources informed that customs and immigration formalities will also be completed at the camp where the counters will be set up.

 

Air India also claimed to have deployed additional staff in the Gulf region like Sharjah and Jeddah to provide assistance to pilgrims. Apart from it, a large number of doctors, paramedics, assistant Haj officers and Haj assistants have been deputed for helping the pilgrims. With so many initiatives taken by the government, the Indian Haj pilgrims are supposed to accomplish their pilgrimage in a hassle-free and convenient manner.