By TCN News,
Malappuram: The first Haj flight of this year took off from the Karippur International Airport with 300 pilgrims from Kerala. Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed flagged off the first flight. Two flights, each carrying 300 pilgrims, left for Haj today from Karippur.
Pilgrims and relatives flocked to the Haj Camp set in the Haj House near the Airport on Wednesday morning itself. The distribution of Pilgrim Pass for the pilgrims began in the afternoon only. The pilgrims were distributed a metal bangle, passport with the visa stamped and a badge on which the national flag is printed, along with foreign currency.
The pilgrims began to be taken to the airport at around 8 am today. Special arrangements have been reportedly made in the airport to accommodate the large number of pilgrims all together. The first flight was at 10.45 am and the second was at 1.45 pm. The flights went straight to Madeena.
The Haj Camp had begun on September 25 itself, even though the pilgrims began to reach the Camp on Wednesday only.
The Saudi Airlines has arranged 30 services till October 15 from the Karippur Airport, including three additional flights on October 1 and 2 which will go straight to Jeddah for those selected under the additional quota by the Centre. All other flights are going straight to Madeena. Karippur is the embarkation point for the more than 8500 pilgrims from Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep.
[Photo by www.madhyamam.com]