Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa State Haj Committee has sought government intervention to facilitate direct or convenient connecting flights from Goa to Saudi Arabia for pilgrims travelling for Haj 2027.
In a representation dated September 3, Committee Chairman Urfan Mulla urged BJP Goa President Damu Naik to take up the issue with the state government, highlighting the difficulties faced by Goan pilgrims due to the absence of direct air connectivity to Saudi Arabia.
According to the committee, 219 pilgrims from Goa have applied for Haj 2027. Under the existing arrangements, pilgrims are required to travel to Mumbai to board onward flights to Jeddah or Medina.
Mulla pointed out that a substantial number of the pilgrims are elderly persons, women and first-time travellers. Travelling to Mumbai with heavy baggage involves additional transportation, accommodation and coordination, resulting in physical, mental and financial hardships for the pilgrims.
The committee has requested Naik to take up the matter with the Government of Goa, urging the state administration to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Haj Committee of India.
The representation has sought the possibility of launching direct flights from Goa to Jeddah or Medina for Haj pilgrims.
Alternatively, the committee has requested authorities to arrange coordinated connecting flights originating directly from Goa, which would eliminate the need for pilgrims to undertake the additional journey to Mumbai.
