CM Omar welcomes returnees at airport
SRINAGAR, June 2: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday received the first batch of Hujjaaj returning from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after performing Haj 2026 at Srinagar International Airport.
The first incoming Haj flight landed at Srinagar Airport carrying 144 pilgrims, including 74 men and 70 women. The Chief Minister warmly welcomed the pilgrims and congratulated them on the successful completion of the sacred pilgrimage.
Interacting with the returning Hujjaaj, the Chief Minister expressed hope that their prayers and spiritual experiences would contribute to peace, prosperity, and the well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation as a whole.
He also enquired about the arrangements made for the pilgrims during their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as their return journey, and wished them good health, happiness, and a blessed life ahead.
The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of all departments and agencies involved in facilitating the smooth arrival and reception of the pilgrims at Srinagar Airport.
He directed the concerned authorities to ensure all necessary assistance and amenities for the returning Hujjaaj, including efficient baggage handling, transportation, and other support services.
The Chief Minister had earlier taken up the issue of delayed transportation of pilgrims’ baggage with the Government of India and the concerned authorities. In his communication to the Union Aviation Minister, he had emphasized the need for timely delivery and seamless handling of baggage.
This year, a total of 4,641 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir performed Haj, including 2,583 men and 2,058 women. Of the total, 3,952 pilgrims are scheduled to return through the Srinagar Embarkation Point between June 2 and June 16, 2026, including 21 women who undertook the pilgrimage without a Mehram.
Among those returning through Srinagar, 3,631 pilgrims belong to Jammu and Kashmir, while 321 are from Ladakh. One pilgrim from Punjab is also scheduled to return through the Srinagar embarkation point.
In addition, 1,061 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are expected to return through other embarkation points across the country, including 1,010 via Delhi, 49 through Mumbai and two through Bengaluru.
Authorities have made elaborate arrangements at Srinagar Airport for the reception of pilgrims, including transportation facilities, medical assistance, help desks and the distribution of Zamzam water.
The return operations commenced amid concerns over baggage restrictions and operational limitations at Srinagar Airport due to runway maintenance-related constraints and temporary restrictions under the existing NOTAM.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Amir Athar Khan, senior officers of the civil administration, representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee, the Airport Authority and other concerned agencies were present on the occasion.
