Srinagar, Jun 1 (JKNS): The Ministry of Minority Affairs on Monday said that Haj pilgrims returning to the Srinagar Embarkation Point through Akasa Air will temporarily travel via Ahmedabad due to operational restrictions at Srinagar Airport arising from runway maintenance and payload limitations imposed in the interest of flight safety.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry, as per news agency JKNS, a NOTAM issued for Srinagar Airport and ongoing runway maintenance have resulted in temporary restrictions on runway length, necessitating payload curbs on aircraft operations.
To ensure uninterrupted Haj flight schedules and minimise inconvenience to pilgrims, the Ministry said return flights have been planned through Ahmedabad. Pilgrims will be allowed to carry 35 kilograms of check-in baggage up to Ahmedabad.
However, for the Ahmedabad–Srinagar sector, only 5 kilograms of check-in baggage per pilgrim will be transported on the flight, while the remaining 30 kilograms will be sent separately by road to Srinagar. The cabin baggage allowance will remain unchanged, the statement said.
The Ministry clarified that the arrangement has been necessitated solely due to airport operational constraints and aviation safety requirements.
It further stated that the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Haj Committee of India and Jammu and Kashmir State Haj Committee are maintaining close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure the safe, smooth and dignified return of Haj pilgrims.
“Safety cannot be compromised, and all decisions have been taken in the best interests of the pilgrims,” the Ministry said. (JKNS)
