Lucknow: The first flight carrying Haj pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh will depart from Lucknow on Wednesday.The flight, operated by Flynas Airlines, will take off at 2.20 pm, carrying a total of 427 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage.Of the total passengers, 222 are men and 205 are women. The largest group — 278 pilgrims — belongs to Kanpur Nagar district, followed by 59 pilgrims from Lucknow. Two pilgrims from Assam will also travel on the same flight.To assist and guide the pilgrims, three state Haj inspectors, Mohammad Rizwan, Ghulam Hussain of Kanpur Nagar, and Aamir Suhail of Rae Bareli, will accompany the first batch.A farewell programme will be held at the Maulana Ali Miyan Memorial Haj House, to be chaired by minister of state for minority welfare and chairman of the Uttar Pradesh state Haj committee, Danish Azad Ansari.Earlier, Danish Azad Ansari inspected arrangements at the Haj House and directed officials to prioritise pilgrims’ convenience, cleanliness, food quality, accommodation and parking facilities. State govt said comprehensive preparations are in place to ensure a safe, smooth and dignified experience for Haj pilgrims.
