Haj flights now from June 7

GAYA: Haj pilgrimage flight operations will now start from June 7 instead of May 21. As per the new schedule, the haj flight service would continue till June 22.

"There will be one flight every day from June 7 to 16, while from June 17 one more flight will be added," said Gaya airport director Bangjeet Saha. He also confirmed that SpiceJet would now be carrying out the Haj flight operations.

"Two flights, carrying Haj pilgrims, would take off for Jeddah from the Gaya airport from June 17 between 6am and 10am in the morning. The pilgrims are expected to return from Jeddah from July 18 to August 2," Saha said.

Earlier, an agreement with GoFirst was signed for this operation and the flight schedule was to start from May 21. However, the airline had filed a petition to declare it bankrupt. Due to the confusion with GoFirst, the state government has now signed an agreement with SpiceJet for the same.

The airport director said, "Before the departure of Haj pilgrims, their vaccination certificates will be checked. The district administration has already started the process of vaccination and training to the pilgrims."

He said due to the postponement of the flight schedule, more time has been given to complete the preparations. The agency engaged in construction of pandal in 10000 sqft area has been asked to complete it by June 21, he added.

"Around 100 volunteers would be engaged to provide necessary services to the pilgrims," Bihar Haj Committee ex-coordinator, presently working as in-charge of the razakaars at Gaya airport, Abdul Moti Karimi said.


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