Haj panel reassures on direct flights

PANJIM, OCT 18
Goa State Haj Committee (GSHC) has rubbished rumours that raised apprehensions over direct flights from Dabolim to Saudi Arabia.
GSHC Vice Chairman Abdul Rehman Khan said that the Haj Committee of India’s website has clearly mentioned that Goa is the embarkation point for direct flight to the holy place.
“Goan Haj pilgrims are very delighted and enthused to board the first direct flight from Dabolim airport to Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Khan said that the committee after taking over the charge from former chairman Shaikh Hassan Haroon in February 2010 has put forth “very committed and devoted efforts…”
He also denied reports that Hajjis will have to shell out an additional amount of Rs 16,000 towards airport tax. GSHC will be releasing a press statement to inform about the pilgrimage from Goa to Jeddah, where several Goan Muslims will be performing Haj.