Haj operators demand direct flights to Jeddah

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 7

The Jammu and Kashmir Association of Haj and Umrah Companies on Thursday sought operation of direct flights from Sringar to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the convenience of pilgrims.

The association said inclement weather conditions had caused losses to them and pilgrims were facing a lot of problems.

“In view of the prevailing situation due to heavy snowfall in the Valley, the cancellation of flights has caused heavy losses to Haj and Umrah operators. Our passengers are stuck, both at Srinagar and New Delhi airports. All airlines are rescheduling flights and giving confirmation after 10 to 15 days. Time and again we have demanded direct flights from Srinagar to Jeddah and back to avoid inconvenience to pilgrims but it has not been done yet,” said association senior vice-president Parvez Ahmad Bhat while addressing a press conference here.

Bhat said recently, a delegation of the association and the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry had called on Air India’s general manager of commercial northern region and requested him to take steps in this regard.