This year, more than 65,000 Haj pilgrims are expected to pass through the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The CSMIA, which has become a major hub for the yearly Haj, stated that it is prepared to handle the influx of travellers in waves of around 33,000 pilgrims leaving and the remaining pilgrims arriving between May and July. This would represent a 157% annual increase in the number of pilgrims doing the Haj through the CSMIA as compared to the 12,815 faithful who left from this location in 2023.The season for the Haj pilgrimage this year began on May 25 and will run through June 12. Return flights are scheduled to begin operating in July.
With 11 daily flights from the CSMIA to Saudi Arabia, including those operated by Saudia Airlines, Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara, the airline is in charge of managing the official transportation of pilgrims from this location during the busiest time of year, which is Haj season.
The official continued by saying that the CSMIA has scheduled 101 ferry flights for both arrivals and departures for the comfort of the Haj pilgrims, in addition to a number of amenities and services for them at Terminal 2, in order to manage the surge in pilgrim traffic. These consist of an exclusive check-in island, a separate approach road, a designated drop-off location, exclusive parking and lifts, specialised immigration and check-in counters, expedited access, a special screening area, dedicated boarding gates, distinct seating, wazu (ablutions), and male-only prayer arrangements.
