Aurangabad, Nov 8:
The direct Haj flight service to Jeddah from the city was discontinued from this year.
It may be noted that Haj pilgrims from Marathwada and adjoining districts had to go on Haj pilgrimage by boarding flight from Mumbai. Around eight to ten relatives would accompany the pilgrim to Mumbai. This was a costly affair to stay in Mumbai and return here.
There was a demand from pilgrims to have a direct flight from the city, which is the capital of Marathwada. The then Minister Rajendra Darda took up the issue with Central Government to start the direct flight service. The director flight service to Jeddah from here was commenced from 2006. More than 2,000 pilgrims every year benefiting between 2006 and 2019 from the service.
No pilgrim was able to go on pilgrimage in 2020 due to the spread of Novel coronavirus. However, pilgrims will be able to perform the pilgrimage in 2021.
But, the embarkation point from the airport was removed as the number of embarkation points were reduced. All the pilgrims of the State will have to take flight for the pilgrimage from Mumbai only.
This means the system which existed until 2005 was re-started. The Central Government already increased expenses of pilgrimage. With the change in embarkation point, the pilgrims will have to shell out extra money.