(a) whether concerned over the problem of inordinate delay in Haj flights that resulted in stranding of pilgrims at Jeddah for several days, Indian team had reached an agreement with Saudi Arabia on Haj arrangements;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps proposed to be taken to ensure that the Haj arrangements in future remain hassle-free?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI OMAR ABDULLAH)
(a), (b) & (c) It is true that Phase-II schedules of Haj 2000 were disrupted and there were delays in the arrival of the return flights from Jeddah, by the charter operator especially in the first few days. Consequently, for Haj 2001 an agreement was reached with Saudi Arabian Airlines for carrying 20,500 pilgrims from India to Jeddah and back. The air-transportation in Haj - 2001 was trouble free. For Haj 2002, Saudi Arabian Airlines have agreed to uplift 30,500 pilgrims. This will ensure smooth air-transportation of Haj pilgrims.