Mangaluru Airport Misses Out on Haj Pilgrimage Designation for 2024
Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) has not been designated as an embarkation point for this year's Haj pilgrimage, despite being considered one of the best options for Haj travel. This decision comes as a disappointment to many in the region who have historically relied on the airport for their religious journey.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
Since 2010, MIA served as a crucial embarkation point for Haj pilgrims from multiple districts, including Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru. However, this arrangement was halted during the pandemic in 2020 and has never been reinstated. Over the last four years, numerous requests have been made to the Central Haj Committee to resume operations, but these appeals have gone unanswered.
Health screening for 1,363 pilgrims from Dakshina Kannada embarking on the Haj pilgrimage began on Friday as part of the mandatory pre-departure procedure. This screening is occurring despite the lack of direct flights from Mangaluru, forcing pilgrims to travel to other airports.
Reasons Behind the Exclusion
According to A P Abdullakutty, former chairman of the Central Haj Committee, the primary reason for MIA's exclusion is that it was not preferred by enough pilgrims. "The central government is ready to consider MIA as an embarkation point, provided there are good passenger numbers," he stated. In 2019, the last year MIA was used for Haj travel, 1,400 pilgrims journeyed to Saudi Arabia from the airport. By 2023, however, the number of Haj applicants from MIA had dwindled to fewer than 200.
This decline in numbers has led to a lack of interest from airlines in operating special flights. The majority of Haj passengers are now opting to fly from either Bengaluru or Kannur, which offer more competitive options.
Cost Considerations and Future Prospects
An official from Mangaluru associated with the Haj pilgrimage highlighted cost as a significant factor. "The main reason is cost. Choosing Bengaluru as an embarkation point saves about Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 in airfare for each pilgrim. If the cost is lowered, MIA will be a good option," the official explained.
This financial advantage makes Bengaluru a more attractive choice for pilgrims, further reducing the viability of MIA as an embarkation point. Without sufficient passenger numbers to justify special flights, the airport remains sidelined for Haj travel.
Impact on Local Pilgrims
The exclusion of MIA means that pilgrims from the aforementioned districts must now travel to other cities to begin their Haj journey, adding extra time and expense to their pilgrimage. This change disrupts a long-standing tradition and convenience for many in the region.
Despite its potential as a strategic and efficient embarkation point, MIA's future in Haj travel hinges on increased pilgrim preference and reduced costs. Until these conditions are met, the airport will likely remain off the list of designated points for the annual pilgrimage.
