HYDERABAD: In order to be ensure hitch-free boarding and disembarking, the Shamshabad airport is coming up with a special terminal for Haj pilgrims this year. Airport authorities will also be providing a ‘conveyor belt’ for luggage as part of improved facilities for the pilgrims.
TS Haj Committee chairman Mohammed Saleem, who inspected the facilities on Monday, told Deccan Chronicle that the terminal will become operational by the time initial flights begin in May.
“The special terminal will boast state-of-the-art facilities for the Hajis. We are ensuring that pilgrims will board flights without any difficulties. There will also be a separate parking facility,” he said.
The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport had stopped the special Haj terminal facility that was available prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Given the inconvenience caused by the decision in 2022, the Haj committee pursued the matter and the authorities agreed to come up with a special terminal this time.
Regarding the conveyor belt facility, an official said, “Earlier the pilgrims were not provided this facility and up to five hours were lost upon their return. Sorting out the luggage was a major problem. Now this service is being included in the airport fees.”
As the last date for Haj applications has been extended to March 20, officials are hopeful that maximum number of pilgrims will be able to avail of these services.
With the Haj camp expected to start in the third week of May, the first flight of Saudi Arabia-bound pilgrims is expected to take-off on May 27.
