Krishna flags off first batch of Haj pilgrims from Mangalore

Mangalore: Union External Affairs Minister S M Krishna flagged off the Haj connecting flight to Calicut from Mangalore airport. This is the first time Haj pilgrims from coastal districts of the state have flown to Jeddah directly from Mangalore after the Bajpe airport was added to the list of 18 destinations across the country from where direct flights are operated to Saudi Arabia by national carrier Air India and Saudi Arabia Airlines.
"About 700 pilgrims are going on Haj from this airport in six batches of 115 each daily till Oct 30. A special camp has been opened near the airport to facilitate the smooth passage of Hajis to Mecca and Madina in Saudi Arabia," Krishna told about 1,000 people, including relatives, friends and community leaders who assembled for the grand event.
Until now, Haj pilgrims from coastal and northern regions of the state had to fly to Jeddah or Riyadh in Saudi Arabia from Bangalore, Kozikode in Kerala and Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh.
"We are providing connectivity to Haj pilgrims from across the state from Bangalore, Mangalore and Hyderabad. Pilgrims from northern districts such as Gulbarga and Bidar will fly out of Hyderabad, those from coastal and central districts from Mangalore and southern districts from Bangalore," Krishna said.
Noting that direct flights from Mangalore would help the pilgrims to avoid the menace of private tour operators, Krishna said there was an urgent need to check irregularities committed by middlemen in the guise of helping them in the exercise.
26/10/09 Mangalorean.com

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