By IANS
New Delhi : Taking a note of inconveniences caused to Haj pilgrims particularly delays in delivering their baggage, Civil Aviation Ministry Praful Patel Wednesday asked Air India to explore if long-term lease of wide-bodied aircraft was possible.
This would not only bring down the cost of Haj operations but also provide a suitable aircraft for the pilgrims, Patel said while reviewing the second phase of the Haj-2007 operations.
He also asked the state carrier to act fast and sort out the problems of the pilgrims at the earliest.
Air India has also been asked to notify within a day a detailed schedule regarding its plan for delivery of the baggage.
The minister expressed concern over the frequent delays in Air India flights and Saudi Arabian Airlines carrying the pilgrims.