Omar Abdullah welcomes first batch of Haj pilgrims returning to Srinagar International Airport

SRINAGAR, June 2, 2026 :- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today received the first batch of pilgrims returning from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after performing the annual Haj pilgrimage. The first incoming flight carrying 144 pilgrims, including 74 men and 70 women, landed at Srinagar International Airport.

The chief minister warmly welcomed the returnees and congratulated them on the successful completion of their sacred journey.During his interaction with the returning pilgrims, the chief minister expressed hope that their prayers and spiritual experiences would contribute toward the peace, prosperity, and well-being of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation. He also inquired about the arrangements made for the pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia as well as their return journey, while wishing them good health and happiness ahead.

The chief minister appreciated the coordination among all departments and agencies involved in facilitating the smooth arrival and reception of the pilgrims. He directed the concerned authorities to ensure all necessary assistance and amenities, including efficient baggage handling and transportation support. Notably, the chief minister had earlier raised the issue of delayed baggage transportation with the central government, emphasizing the need for timely delivery in a communication to the union aviation minister.

A total of 4,641 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir performed the Haj pilgrimage this year, with 3,952 scheduled to return through the Srinagar embarkation point. The return flights are slated to operate between June 2 and June 16, 2026.

Several senior dignitaries, including Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Amir Athar Khan, and representatives from the Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee and Airport Authority, were present on the occasion.