SpiceJet to resume Haj flights from Srinagar on May 14 following airport reopening

SpiceJet on Tuesday announced it will resume its Haj 2025 operations from Srinagar starting May 14, with two flights scheduled to depart for Medina. This comes a day after Srinagar airport reopened for civilian flights following a temporary shutdown amid the recent military tensions between India and Pakistan.“SpiceJet will resume its Haj 2025 operations from Srinagar, operating two flights to Medina using wide-body Airbus A340 aircraft, each accommodating 324 passengers,” the airline said in a statement as quoted by news agency PTI.The carrier is set to facilitate the travel of approximately 15,500 Haj pilgrims this year.Earlier this month, SpiceJet confirmed plans to operate 45 Haj flights in the first phase, connecting Gaya, Srinagar, Guwahati, and Kolkata with destinations in Saudi Arabia, including Medina and Jeddah.In addition to the special Haj services, SpiceJet will also resume its regular scheduled flights to Srinagar starting Tuesday.Haj 2025 is scheduled to take place between June 4 and 9. This year, one in every 18 pilgrims globally will be from India.Saudi Arabia allocates pilgrimage quotas to each country based on the proportion of the Muslim population. The total quota for India in 2025 stands at 1,75,025 pilgrims, making it the third-largest contingent globally, following Indonesia and Pakistan, which have the largest Muslim populations.Out of India’s total quota, 1,22,518 seats were allotted to the Haj Committee of India, while 52,507 were designated for private tour operators. However, private tour operators failed to complete the required formalities, such as accommodation bookings, within the set timeline. As a result, their quota was cancelled due to logistical constraints.