Air charter operations for the Haj 2025 pilgrimage have successfully completed their first phase (Lap-I), facilitating the departure of thousands of pilgrims from across India. This year, more than 1.20 lakh pilgrims are set to undertake the sacred journey to Saudi Arabia, with air travel arranged from 18 designated Embarkation Points (EPs) nationwide.
To manage the large volume of travelers efficiently within a limited timeframe, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, in coordination with multiple stakeholder ministries and agencies, has organized the air charter operations in two phases – Lap-I and Lap-II. Departures under Lap-I began on April 29, 2025, from major airports including Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Delhi, Gaya, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Srinagar.
However, due to disruptions in air travel in parts of northern India, particularly affecting the Srinagar embarkation point, flights scheduled from there beginning May 7, 2025, encountered operational delays. Despite these challenges, 1,461 out of the 3,356 pilgrims assigned to depart from Srinagar have successfully been flown to their destination.
With airspace conditions now returning to normal, authorities are actively working to accommodate the remaining 1,895 Srinagar pilgrims in Lap-II of the air charter operations, ensuring their departure by May 31, 2025.
Meanwhile, the second phase (Lap-II) of departures commenced on May 10, 2025, and is currently underway from airports in Ahmedabad, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kannur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, and Srinagar. The ongoing operations continue to be carried out with meticulous planning and coordination to ensure the safe, dignified, and comfortable travel of all pilgrims.
Authorities have implemented robust logistical support systems, including medical services, ground transportation, and collaboration with airport and airline operators. These measures are in place to provide a seamless and respectful experience for pilgrims as they prepare for one of the most significant spiritual journeys of their lives.
The government remains committed to ensuring that every Haj pilgrim departs with peace of mind, allowing them to focus fully on the spiritual duties and rites they are about to perform during the Haj pilgrimage in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.