Srinagar, Jun 02 (KNO): The first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir arrived at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, marking the commencement of the return phase of Hajj-2026 operations.
The inaugural flight carried 144 pilgrims, who were received at the airport by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam Athar Aamir Khan and other senior civil and police officials.
Speaking to the media, J&K Haj Committee Chief Executive Officer Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said all 144 pilgrims scheduled on the first return flight arrived safely in Srinagar.
"The batch included 74 male and 70 female Hajis," he said, adding that adequate arrangements had been put in place at the airport, including transportation, medical assistance, help desks and distribution of Zamzam water.
Regarding concerns over baggage restrictions, Dr Qureshi said around 40 per cent of the luggage remains pending due to operational limitations and is expected to reach Hajj House within the next two to three days.
He advised pilgrims who are required to collect their luggage from Hajj House to carry the identity cards issued by the Haj Committee to facilitate smooth and hassle-free collection.
Meanwhile, returning pilgrims expressed satisfaction over the overall arrangements while highlighting some challenges faced during the journey.
One of the pilgrims said that baggage-related issues had caused concern among the pilgrims, but the matter was addressed promptly.
"We faced an issue regarding luggage yesterday, and CM Omar Abdullah has solved it. The arrangements there were very good. We are thankful to the government," he said.
Another pilgrim said some difficulties were faced with accommodation and baggage handling during the pilgrimage.
"We faced accommodation problems and luggage issues with the airlines, but somehow we managed them. Overall, the experience was good. The government should make more efforts to ensure greater convenience and a seamless experience for pilgrims in the future," the pilgrim said.
DC Budgam said the arrival process has formally begun with the landing of the first flight carrying 144 pilgrims.
"Today, the first flight landed at Srinagar Airport, and 144 Hajj pilgrims arrived. The Chief Minister also came here to receive them. The arrival process has started today, and we have received feedback from the pilgrims as well," he said.
Khan said all departments, including the Haj Committee, civil administration and airport authorities, are working in coordination to ensure smooth arrivals.
"Every department, including the Haj Committee, civil administration and airport authorities, is trying to make arrangements hassle-free and convenient for pilgrims so that no pilgrim faces any difficulty. Proper help desks have also been established to facilitate smooth arrivals," the DC added.
Notably, the return operations for Hajj pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh will continue till June 16. A total of 3,952 pilgrims is scheduled to return through the Srinagar Embarkation Point during the ongoing arrival phase—(KNO)