TBM Staff - Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is poised to play a crucial role in this year’s Haj pilgrimage, expecting to facilitate the departure of 33,000 pilgrims from Mumbai to Saudi Arabia. Between May and July 2024, CSMIA anticipates managing over 65,000 passengers, including both arrivals and departures. This significant operation underscores CSMIA’s importance as a major departure point for the Haj pilgrimage in India. The airport is fully prepared to handle the increased passenger traffic with a phased and coordinated approach.
In 2024, CSMIA expects a remarkable 157% year-on-year increase in the number of Haj pilgrims compared to 2023, when 12,815 pilgrims departed from the airport. The annual Haj flights from CSMIA span two months each year. For 2024, departures began on May 25 and will continue until June 12, with returning pilgrims expected to arrive starting in July 2024.
CSMIA operates a robust schedule to Saudi Arabia, with airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Saudia Airlines collectively running 11 flights daily. During the peak Haj period, Saudia Airlines handles the official Haj movement from CSMIA. To accommodate the surge in pilgrim traffic, 101 additional ferry flights have been scheduled for both departures and arrivals, demonstrating CSMIA’s commitment to ensuring a smooth travel experience for all Haj pilgrims.
CSMIA is also enhancing its facilities and services at Terminal 2 exclusively for Haj pilgrims to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.
Key facilities include:
• Separate Approach Road: A dedicated road at the departures level for convenient and direct access for Haj pilgrims.
• Dedicated Drop-off Point: An exclusive drop-off location for Haj pilgrims.
• Exclusive Parking and Lifts: Dedicated parking at MLCP P9 and two operational lifts between P9 and P10 on the East Side for Haj pilgrims.
• Streamlined Access: Pilgrims can exit MLCP at P10 East Side, proceed to Gate 2, and enter from Departure Entry Gate 3 for check-in.
• Dedicated Check-in Area: Check-in Island C is reserved exclusively for Haj operations.
• Special Screening Area: A dedicated screening area for a smooth security process.
• Immigration Counters: Specific counters allocated for Haj travellers’ immigration checks.
• Dedicated Boarding Gates: Gates 46, 47, and 48 assigned for all Haj departures.
• Comfort Facilities: Separate seating arrangements, prayer rooms for ladies and gents, and a Wazu area.
• Senior Official Deployment: A dedicated senior official to manage and coordinate with Haj volunteers and airlines for all Haj flights.
CSMIA is honored to support the Haj pilgrimage, recognising its profound spiritual significance. As the airport prepares to manage over an estimated 65,000 pilgrims this year, encompassing both arrivals and departures, it reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a seamless, safe, and comfortable travel experience. CSMIA is dedicated to demonstrating exceptional hospitality and facilitating this journey for thousands of devotees.
