Kerala Hajj ‘preparations complete’ as first flight from Kochi set for April end

Kochi: Kerala has completed all arrangements for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, with the first flight set to depart from Kochi on 30 April, according to the state Hajj Committee.

The official inauguration of the Hajj camp will be held on 29 April in Kochi, marking the start of the pilgrimage operations from the state.

Embarkation points finalised

As in previous years, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur have been designated as the main embarkation points for pilgrims travelling from Kerala.

A total of 13,194 pilgrims from the state have been selected this year. Of these, 7,943 will depart from Kochi, 4,279 from Kannur and 944 from Kozhikode.

In addition, 28 pilgrims from Kerala will travel through embarkation points in other states.

Pilgrims from Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana will also begin their journey through Kerala’s embarkation points, highlighting the broader regional coordination for the pilgrimage.

First flight details

The first flight, operated by Flynas, will depart from Kochi at 2:10 pm on 30 April, carrying 430 pilgrims to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

The Hajj Committee has set up camps with extensive facilities, including canteens, at all embarkation points to support pilgrims before departure.

In Kochi, arrangements have been made at the CIAL Academy, while Kannur will host its camp at a specially prepared venue near the international airport.

Coordination meetings have been held under district administrations to ensure smooth operations, and a dedicated Hajj cell has been established to oversee documentation and logistics.

Officials from the Central Hajj Committee will also be present at the camps to supervise arrangements.

New short Hajj package

This year, a new “Short Hajj” package of 25 days has been introduced, offering an alternative to the usual 40–45 day pilgrimage duration for those seeking a shorter stay.

The Hajj operations in Kerala are being managed through coordinated efforts between state authorities, district administrations and central Hajj officials.

The infrastructure includes temporary camps, medical support systems, documentation centres and logistical arrangements across all three embarkation points.

The introduction of the shorter Hajj package reflects growing demand for flexible travel options among pilgrims, while maintaining compliance with official pilgrimage regulations.

Authorities have stated that all preparations are aimed at ensuring smooth travel, safety and comfort for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the annual religious journey.
(With PTI inputs)