First batch of 158 Hajj pilgrims to return Kashmir today

Srinagar, June 17: The first batch of 158 Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will return home on Tuesday evening after

completing the holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The flight is scheduled to land at Srinagar International Airport at 8:30 pm, marking the beginning of the return phase for over 3,600 pilgrims from the region.

Executive Officer of the J&K Haj Committee, Dr. Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi said that the pilgrims are being brought back in coordination with Saudi authorities and the Haj Committee of India. He said that all necessary arrangements have been made to facilitate their smooth arrival and onward travel.

Director of Srinagar International Airport, Javed Anjum, told Rising Kashmir that elaborate arrangements have been put in place at the airport.

“Families and relatives of the pilgrims have been advised to reach the airport only after 9 PM, as immigration and clearance procedures will take some time,” he said.

Anjum added that special counters, support staff, and security measures are in place to ensure a hassle-free experience for the returning pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the second return flight is likely to arrive on June 26, with the remaining flights to follow in the coming days.

Despite the successful organization of the pilgrimage, the number of Hajj applications from Jammu and Kashmir has seen a sharp decline this year. Only 4,100 applications were received in 2025 — a 48 percent drop from 8,147 in 2024.

Over the years, the trend has shown a significant dip: over 35,000 applications were received in 2017, 21,500 in 2019, and around 12,000 in 2023. Of the applicants this year, 3,622 were selected, including 21 women under the Mahram quota. However, over 700 later withdrew, mostly due to financial constraints.

India’s Hajj quota for 2025 stands at 1,75,025, with 1,22,550 seats managed by the Haj Committee of India. Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated approximately 4.89% of this quota, including 2,000 additional seats, taking the total to around 7,981.

Authorities have urged families to stay in touch with the Haj Committee for updates and flight schedules in the coming weeks.