Haj operators demand direct flights to Jeddah

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, March 13

The Jammu and Kashmir Association of Haj and Umrah Companies (JKAHUC) on Wednesday sought operation of direct Srinagar-Jeddah flights and starting of consular service here for the convenience of pilgrims.

“We have been demanding direct flights for a long time. At least give us direct flights once a week. We will give guarantee of a full flight,” association president Sheikh Feroz said while addressing a press conference here.

He also batted for starting of consular service as thousands of local pilgrims perform Haj and Umrah from here annually. “We request the Ministry of External Affairs to start consular service (to Saudi Arabia) in Srinagar so that we do not have to go New Delhi... 40,000 Kashmiris go to Saudi Arabia in three months (for pilgrimage),” he said.