Mangaluru:
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has urged the Union government to introduce direct Haj flights from Mangaluru International Airport, citing the growing number of pilgrims from the coastal and neighbouring regions. In a letter addressed to Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Rao requested that Mangaluru be included as an embarkation point for Haj pilgrims to ensure better convenience and accessibility.
Request for regional embarkation
The minister emphasised that a large number of Haj pilgrims from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Kasaragod districts currently travel to Bengaluru to board flights for the pilgrimage. This, he said, causes unnecessary financial and logistical burdens on pilgrims who must cover long distances before departure. Rao asserted that Mangaluru International Airport is well-equipped with international facilities and could handle Haj charter flights efficiently.
Facilities and feasibility
Rao noted that Mangaluru airport already handles international operations to West Asian destinations such as Dubai, Doha, Muscat, and Abu Dhabi. Given the existing infrastructure, he said, introducing Haj flights would require minimal adjustments. He added that establishing the embarkation point would benefit not only Karnataka’s coastal districts but also neighbouring areas of Kerala.
Broader benefits to pilgrims
If approved, the move could significantly ease the travel process for thousands of pilgrims each year. Pilgrims currently face multiple transits and additional costs when travelling to Bengaluru. A local embarkation point in Mangaluru would reduce travel time and stress, particularly for elderly and low-income pilgrims.
State’s consistent demand
The state government has repeatedly raised the issue of direct Haj flights from Mangaluru in previous years, but the request has yet to be approved by the Centre. Rao expressed hope that the Union government would consider the matter favourably this time, given the region’s preparedness and the consistent demand from the community.
Next steps
The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Saudi authorities, will assess the feasibility of Mangaluru as an embarkation point. If cleared, the decision could come into effect from the next Haj season.
Conclusion
Dinesh Gundu Rao’s appeal reflects Karnataka’s effort to decentralise Haj operations and bring essential pilgrimage facilities closer to coastal pilgrims. The move, if approved, would mark a significant administrative and infrastructural boost for the region.