Travel

Haj Preparation for 2025 Using the Suvidha App from India

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has allotted a substantial quota of 175,025 spots to India for Haj-2025. In a significant move towards streamlining the process for aspiring pilgrims, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, has announced the opening of Haj applications.

This year marks a new milestone as applications are being accepted not only through the traditional Haj Committee of India website but also via the newly introduced Haj Suvidha App.

This initiative aims to simplify the application process and provide greater accessibility for prospective pilgrims. Alongside the app, a dedicated helpline and active social media channels have been launched to offer support and address any queries from applicants.

One of the most notable reforms in the Haj administration is the introduction of the Ladies without Mehram (LWM) category. For Haj-2024, a record 4,558 women benefited from this provision, allowing Muslim women aged 45 and above to perform Haj without a male companion. This category will continue to be a focus, with efforts to make Haj more accessible and convenient for these pilgrims in 2025.

The early initiation of the Haj-2025 preparation process is underscored by the Haj Review Meeting held on July 19, 2024, and the announcement of the Haj Policy-2025 on August 5, 2024. These steps reflect the Government of India’s commitment to securing optimal arrangements for accommodation, transport, and logistics in KSA. The government aims to leverage this early start to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.

In a significant change from previous years, the age requirement for pilgrims to be accompanied by a companion has been adjusted. For Haj-2025, it will be mandatory for pilgrims aged 65 or above to have a companion. haj committee of india flight schedule 2024

This new criterion replaces the earlier age threshold of 70 years, recognizing the challenging nature of the pilgrimage and the harsh climatic conditions in KSA. Priority in allotment will be given to this age group, ensuring that all first-time pilgrims aged 65 or above will receive guaranteed seats.

Another major administrative change is the elimination of the requirement for depositing physical passports with the Haj Committee of India for 4-5 months. haj committee of india flight schedule 2024 This adjustment is expected to streamline processing and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

In preparation for Haj-2025, passport offices across India have been instructed to expedite the issuance of passports for Haj purposes. Additionally, the government continues to prioritize healthcare services for pilgrims, both prior to their departure and during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Hajj flights from India – schedules and updates:Click here

Airlines

Emirates Rolls Out Refurbished Boeing 777s Across Six U.S. Destinations

Boeing 777 with enhanced cabins will be introduced to Chicago, Boston, Dallas Fort Worth, Seattle and linked routes Miami/Bogota and Newark/Athens
Ten of Emirates’ 12 gateways to US gateways to feature Premium Economy by February 2025
New Business Class in a 1-2-1 arrangement is featured on Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777

Emirates is set to introduce its newly refurbished Boeing 777s across six key routes in the United States, providing passengers with an elevated travel experience across all cabin classes. This rollout marks the debut of the emirates pilot benefits latest Business Class seats, alongside its highly popular Premium Economy offering.

Starting in November 2024 and continuing into early 2025, the upgraded Boeing 777s will operate on direct flights to Chicago, Boston, Dallas Fort Worth, and Seattle. In addition, passengers traveling on flights between Miami and Bogotá, as well as Newark and Athens, will enjoy the revamped interiors and enhanced services.

The retrofitted aircraft boast four cabin classes, including six or eight First Class suites, 38 or 40 Business Class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration for added privacy, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 256 Economy Class seats. All cabins are enriched with refreshed interiors featuring new color palettes, updated wood finishes, and an overall luxurious design.

In Chicago, the upgraded Boeing 777 will begin service three times weekly from November 1, 2024, before increasing to daily flights by November 22. Boston will follow on December 10, 2024, with the enhanced aircraft also transitioning to daily service by December 18.

Dallas Fort Worth will see the newly configured Boeing 777 three times weekly starting January 9, 2025, expanding to daily by January 15, while Seattle joins the schedule on January 24, 2025. Newark/Athens will experience the refurbished aircraft on February 10, and Miami/Bogotá will follow on February 19, 2025, with daily flights starting March 1.

The introduction of Premium Economy across these routes reflects Emirates’ commitment to offering superior in-flight experiences. By February 2025, flights to and from ten of the airline’s twelve US gateways will feature the understated luxury of Premium Economy. Additionally, this new service will extend to Bogotá in Latin America, joining São Paulo as one of the two Latin American cities with Premium Economy seats.

Customers across all cabins will benefit from the redesigned interiors, offering comfort, style, and enhanced service throughout their journey. emirates airways’ refurbished Boeing 777s can be booked via emirates.com, the emirates App, or through travel agents.