First batch of Haj pilgrims leaves for Madina

Hyderabad: The first batch of Haj pilgrims from India this year left for the holy city of Madina in Saudi Arabia early Thursday. The batch comprising of 299 pilgrims left at 5.30 a.m. by a Saudi Airlines flight from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad.
The Andhra Pradesh Minister for Minorities Welfare Mohammed Ali Shabbir and other top officials saw off the pilgrims at the Haj terminal, which was earlier inaugurated by the minister.
This is the first time that Haj pilgrims are flying from the new international airport, which commenced commercial operations in March this year.
About 7,000 Haj pilgrims from the state will fly to Madina through 23 flights till Nov 16.
There was confusion among pilgrims before departure, as 47 pilgrims of the first batch had not received their passports, which were sent to Mumbai for endorsement. The authorities assured them that they would be sent through subsequent flights. An equal number of passengers, who were scheduled to fly later, were accommodated in the first flight.
30/10/08 IANS/Thaindian.com

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Categories: Airports Oct 2008, Foreign Oct 2008