(AhlulBayt News Agency) - The first 180 Indian pilgrims were received Saturday at the Haj terminal in Jeddah by the Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad; Sayed Ahmed Baba, the Indian consul general; and other officials from the Indian consulate.
More than 160,000 pilgrims are scheduled to arrive from India, via Saudia, Nas Air and Al Wafer, which successfully bid on an international tender for transporting Indian pilgrims this year, Ahmad said at a press conference Saturday at the Indian consulate in Jeddah. He noted that Air India is not among the airlines that will transport pilgrims.
“On the basis of the transparent tender process, the decision was made that Air India, the national airline, will not serve the pilgrims this year,” he said. “It may be that Air India showed a lack of interest in participating or may have offered something on the higher side, but the fact remains that Air India is not participating in the Haj operations.”
Ahmad said 125,000 Indian pilgrims are coming through arrangements made with the Haj Committee of India and about 45,500 pilgrims will perform Haj through Indian-based private tour operators, he added.
Through Nov. 9, an average of 14 aircraft will carry about 4,000 pilgrims per day, from 21 different points in India. This is the first year for direct flights from Goa and Bhopal, Ahmad said.
Officials will work 24/7 in Jeddah, Makkah and Madina and at the Haj terminal to facilitate reception of pilgrims.
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