First two batches of Hajj pilgrims from Mangaluru return home

Mangaluru, Sept 7: The first two batches of Hajj pilgrims that had undertaken pilgrimage from this coastal city this year returned on Thursday.

Carrying 158 pilgrims, the first flight landed at the Mangaluru International Airport at 8:30 a.m. marking the start of the return of pilgrims from Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Udupi, Hassan and Chikmagalur districts, flown on Government subsidy from Mangaluru.

In fact the flight was scheduled to reach Mangaluru at 6:30 a.m. but delayed by two hours. The second flight, which was supposed to reach Mangaluru at 10 a.m., landed at 12 noon.

The delay in take off the both flights at Jeddah International Airport was the reason for delay in arrival, according to M K Bava, coordinator for Karnataka Sate Hajj committee. 

Mangalore North MLA B A Mohideen Bava, Mangalore Hajj Management Committee President Y Muhammad Kunhi, District Wakf Advisory Committee president S M Rashid Haji were present among others.

Despite a delay of few hours a majority of pilgrims had no serious complaints about airliner. Relatives and friends of the pilgrims, who had gathered outside the Airport terminal to welcome their dear ones, had to wait for a couple of hours due to the flight delay.