Date:28/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/28/stories/2008082850960200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Haj flights from October 30

Special Correspondent

Hyderabad: Special Haj flights from Andhra Pradesh are expected to start from October 30. The Saudi Airlines will carry the pilgrims this year too.

There will be direct flights from Hyderabad to Madina and in the return direction the flights will be from Jeddah to Hyderabad. In all 23 flights will carry the State pilgrims. Five days there will be two flights and remaining days single flight. The actual flight schedule will be intimated shortly.

Meanwhile, the Haj Committee of India has created one more special category for pilgrims in view of the large scale demolition of buildings near Haram Sharief in Makkah. In order to meet the shortfall in ‘white’ category, the pilgrims have been given option to either upgrade to the special category or opt to stay at far off areas.