Kondotty: The first flight, designated by the Kerala State Hajj Committee for the 2024 season, is poised to take off from Karipur at 12:05 am on May 21. Marking the outset of Haj season 2024, this flight will be the first departure from Kerala.

Air India Express is set to operate three Haj services on the opening day. The second flight is scheduled for 8 am on May 21, followed by the third at 3 pm, with each flight bound for Jeddah accommodating 166 pilgrims.

The state Haj camp at the airport will be operational on May 20 to assist the pilgrims. Those departing on the first flight are required to arrive at the Haj camp in Karipur by 10 am on May 20. Subsequent groups for the second and third flights are expected to reach the camp at 12 pm and 2 pm, respectively.

Air India Express has scheduled a total of 59 Haj flight services until June 9. On June 8, four flights are scheduled, and one flight is slated for June 9, with three services arranged for the other days. That means the airline would ferry 9794 Haj pilgrims during this year's pilgrimage season.

According to recent reports, 10371 pilgrims will commence their Haj journey from Karipur. Additionally, four planes have been allocated to transport the remaining pilgrims to Jeddah.

In addition to Karipur, Haj services will also be available from Kannur and Kochi. Operations will commence on May 26 from Kochi and on June 1 from Kannur. A combined total of 4228 pilgrims from Kochi and 3112 from Kannur will embark on their sacred journey from these airports this year.

The flight manifest, detailing the comprehensive travel schedules of the pilgrims, has not yet been released.