Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 2

The return phase of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will begin on Tuesday with the first flight carrying 144 pilgrims scheduled to land at Srinagar International Airport, officials said.

Return operations will continue till June 16, covering thousands of pilgrims who performed Hajj this year.

A total of 4641 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir undertook the pilgrimage, including 2583 men and 2058 women, according to official figures.

Of these, 3952 pilgrims are expected to return via Srinagar, including 3631 from Jammu and Kashmir, 321 from Ladakh and one from Punjab. Among them are 21 women who travelled without a Mehram, officials said.

The first incoming flight will carry 74 men and 70 women, they said.

In addition, 1061 pilgrims will return through other embarkation points, including 1010 via Delhi, 49 via Mumbai, and two via Bengaluru.

Authorities have set up reception arrangements at Srinagar airport, including medical assistance, transport facilities, help desks and distribution of Zamzam water for arriving pilgrims.

The return comes amid concerns over baggage restrictions linked to ongoing runway maintenance and operational limitations at Srinagar airport under a temporary Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).