Air India and Air India Express Collaborate for Exclusive Haj Flights
In a significant development, Air India and Air India Express have joined forces to operate exclusive Haj flights, catering to the needs of pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia. The two carriers will undertake the responsibility of transporting approximately 19,000 pilgrims from Jaipur, Chennai, Kozhikode, and Kannur to the holy cities of Jeddah and Medina. This collaboration aims to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for the pilgrims, fulfilling their sacred pilgrimage to Mecca.
Air India and Air India Express
Air India will conduct the Haj flights in two phases, leading the initiative. During the first phase, Air India will operate a total of 46 flights from Jaipur and Chennai to Medina and Jeddah, respectively. The inaugural flight took off from Jaipur on May 21, marking the beginning of the service, which will continue until June 21. The second phase will involve the return journey, as Air India brings back the pilgrims from Medina and Jeddah to Jaipur and Chennai. Also, Air India will schedule this phase to take place from July 3 to August 2.
A press release issued on Monday estimated that Air India would fly approximately 5,871 pilgrims from Jaipur, distributing them across 27 flights. Similarly, 4,447 pilgrims will be flown from Chennai on 19 flights. These numbers highlight the extensive efforts put forth by Air India to accommodate the growing number of individuals undertaking the Haj pilgrimage.
Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, will also play a crucial role in facilitating the Haj journeys. Operating from Kozhikode and Kannur, the airline will conduct flights from June 4 to 22, focusing on transporting pilgrims to Jeddah. During the first phase, Kozhikode will witness 44 flights carrying 6,363 passengers, while Kannur will have 13 flights carrying 1,873 passengers.
Air India Express
In the second phase, scheduled from July 13 to August 2, Air India Express will carry out return flights from Medina to Kozhikode and Kannur, ensuring the safe and comfortable repatriation of the pilgrims back to their home destinations in India.
Campbell Wilson, CEO, and MD of Air India, expressed his delight in resuming the annual special flights for the sacred Haj pilgrimage. This collaboration between Air India and Air India Express exemplifies their commitment to serving the needs of the pilgrims and facilitating their spiritual journey with utmost care and dedication.
Furthermore, both airlines have made an additional arrangement to bring Zamzam water on the return ferry flights to India. Both airlines will store this holy water at the four destinations they operate in India. Upon arrival, both airlines will hand over the Zamzam water to the pilgrims, also ensuring that they receive this sacred gift upon their return to their respective home destinations.
The collaboration between airlines for exclusive Haj flights reflects the airlines’ dedication to providing efficient and comfortable travel services for pilgrims embarking on their spiritual journey. Both carriers have made commendable efforts to accommodate the needs of the pilgrims during the Haj season. It is expected that this collaboration will continue to foster a positive experience for future pilgrims.
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