Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (EP)

Mangalore, Aug 30: The fourth group of Haj pilgrims to Mecca who had arrived early in the morning at Mangalore International Airport had to wait for over five hours due to delay in the flights.

Nearly 130 pilgrims were to fly to Madina by two planes. The Haj committee had asked the pilgrims from different places to arrive at the airport.

Though the pilgrims arrived at the airport in time, they had to wait as the flight arrived late. It is alleged that Air India officials gave evasive replies to their queries. The relatives of the pilgrims expressed anguish at the indifference of the airline staff.

The Air India officials said initially that the flight was delayed due to technical reasons. When asked about the other flight, they said they had no information on it. The Haj committee said that Air India was responsible for the ordeal the pilgrims had to face. Dawood, one of the relatives of a pilgrim said none of the elected representatives could be contacted.

Accommodation by Air India

The airline officials came forward to provide hotel accommodation to the affected pilgrims. The officials said that the pilgrims have to come to the airport when they are called, said a relative of one of the pilgrims.

The first batch of pilgrims had left for Madina on August 28.