The first batch of Haj pilgrims from India will be arriving in Madina and Jeddah today. The first flight carrying pilgrims from Kolkata arrives at 10.20 am Madina time while the first flight arriving from Ranchi in Jeddah is around 5 pm local time today. On day one, about 2400 passengers will be arriving by nine flights from different destinations in India.

Around 400 flights have been planned for the expected 1,25,000 Haj pilgrims this year during September 17 and October 21 this year. The Haj quota for India this year is 1,70,000 out of which 1,25000 are being sent through the Haj Committee Of India while 45,000 will be arriving with the help of private tour operators.

Among the high points of Haj flights this year is the first direct Air India flight from Gaya airport to Jeddah today. Two Air India flights will operate daily from September 17 to October 21 carrying 250 pilgrims from Gaya to Jeddah.

The first flight takes-off from Gaya around 11.30 am IST and the second one leaves at 1.30 pm IST. Earlier the pilgrims had to travel to New Delhi or Kolkata to board a flight to Saudi Arabia. This year nearly 6400 people from Bihar are going for Haj.