Kondotty: The pilgrims, selected for Hajj 2024 by the State Hajj Committee, will start their holy journey from May 26, a day after the State Hajj camp becomes functional in the State. Hajj flights will remain operational till June 9. 

This year, Karipur, Kannur and Kochi airports will be the boarding points for Hajj pilgrims. However, the boarding time and place of the first Hajj flight are yet to be scheduled. The details will be made available only after the schedule of the flights is published. The number of days of the Hajj camp has been cut down this year compared to that of the previous year. This year, the camp is for 15 days, whereas it was for 20-22 days in previous years.

At the same time, the number of applicants were more this year than last year. At present, as many as 18,337 applications were approved. A number of 1250 applicants, aged over 70 years, and 3584 women without ‘mahram’ were selected directly. As many as 11,942 applicants were selected through lot. A number of 1551 people were chosen from the waiting list. 

Last year, a total of 11,556 pilgrims undertook Hajj from the State.

More Hajj service from Karipur

Unlike the previous years, more flights will be operated from Karipur this time. As there is no permission for large planes, the Air Express flights will fly with 145 passengers. At present, over 10000 people are set to fly from Karipur. Out of the total 16776 passengers, who got approval in the initial phase, 9750 have opted for Karipur as their boarding point. An additional 1500 people are also expected to get a chance to fly from here.

Over 70 flights will fly from Karipur for Hajj. As all the pilgrims are to be flown to Saudi within 15 days, 5 to 6 air services will be required daily and the Hajj camp will have to be arranged accordingly. 

Last year, Kozhikode and Kannur had Air India Express service and Kochi had Saudi Airlines.