Overview

• Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged the central government to prioritize additional Hajj flights to clear the backlog of 1,895 stranded pilgrims.
• The disruptions stem from an April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and subsequent India-Pakistan tensions, which led to widespread cancellations.
• The J&K Haj Committee is awaiting approval from the Haj Committee of India for extra flights, with a schedule expected in the next 2–3 days.
• Efforts are ongoing to rebook affected pilgrims and provide accommodations for those still waiting to depart.
• Measures such as fare caps, expanded airport facilities, and a digital app have been introduced to streamline the pilgrimage process.