Srinagar, June 2, KNT: The return phase of Hajj-2026 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir commenced on Tuesday with the arrival of the first flight carrying 144 pilgrims at Srinagar International Airport.
Officials said the return operations for pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh began on June 2 and will continue until June 16. The pilgrims were welcomed by their relatives and family members.
This year, a total of 4,641 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir performed Hajj, including 2,583 men and 2,058 women.
Of the total, 3,952 pilgrims are scheduled to return through Srinagar, 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.
The first return flight brought back 144 pilgrims, comprising 74 men and 70 women.
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 had made elaborate arrangements at Srinagar Airport for the reception of pilgrims, including transportation facilities, medical assistance, help desks and distribution of Zamzam water.
The return operations commenced amid concerns regarding baggage restrictions and operational limitations at Srinagar Airport owing to runway maintenance-related constraints and temporary restrictions under the existing NOTAM. [KNT]
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