Hajj - First batch of pilgrims from M’lore takes off

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Aug 28, 2014:  Air India flight carrying the first batch of Hajj pilgrims of the State took off from Mangalore International Airport on August 27 morning. With 130 pilgrims including 64 males and 66 females, of which 127 passengers were from Dakshina Kannada district and three were from Hassan district.

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking to mediapersons after flagging off the flight to Madinah, Hajj Minister Roshan Baig said that as many as 700 passengers will travel from Mangalore embarkation point to Madinah in six batches.

Where as, the total number of passengers to travel from across the State is 5,000. The flight carrying the first batch of passengers from Bangalore International Airport will leave on September 12 and Chief Minister Siddharamaiah will see the pilgrims off .

Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader said that the department will be sending several teams of doctors and nurses to attend the passengers.

“We have received 136 applications from doctors and medical staff expressing willingness to travel to Hajj. In the first batch, we will send seven doctors, 14 nurses and a pharmacist,” he said.

The 700 passengers from Dakshina Kannada, neighbouring Chikmagalur, Hassan, Udupi and Kodagu districts will travel in six batches from Mangalore Airport between August 27 and September 2. The flight will travel via Mumbai Airport, where the passengers will be transferred to a connecting flight.

MLAs J R Lobo, Mohiudeen Bava, former union minister B A Moideen and others were present at the MIA. It may be noted that the flight is not a direct one.