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

DOT Proposes New Passenger Compensation Rules for Flight Disruptions

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has unveiled a major initiative to enhance protections for air travelers affected by flight cancellations or significant delays caused by airlines.

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This Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeks public feedback on new measures that could require airlines to compensate passengers and provide necessary services automatically.

Key Proposals by the DOT:

Cash Compensation for Airline-Caused Disruptions
- Airlines may be required to pay passengers at least $200 in cash for flight disruptions caused by circumstances under their control, such as mechanical issues or IT failures.
- A tiered compensation system is being considered:
  - $200–$300 for domestic delays of 3–6 hours.
  - $375–$525 for delays lasting 6–9 hours.
  - $750–$775 for delays exceeding 9 hours.
- The DOT is exploring whether smaller airlines should have different compensation thresholds and whether compensation is needed if passengers are notified weeks in advance of a disruption.
Free Rebooking on the Next Available Flight
- Airlines may be obligated to rebook passengers at no extra cost if a flight is canceled or delayed by at least 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally.
- Rebooking options may include:
  - Flights operated by the airline or its codeshare partners.
  - Flights on other carriers with which the airline has a commercial agreement if no suitable options are available within 24 hours.
Provision of Meals, Lodging, and Transportation
- Airlines may need to cover meals, overnight accommodations, and transportation for stranded passengers.
- Minimum reimbursements could be established when services aren’t provided upfront, ensuring passengers can recoup costs even without submitting receipts, up to a defined limit.

The DOT’s proposals draw inspiration from consumer protection frameworks in countries like Canada, Brazil, the UK, and the European Union. Research suggests that EU compensation requirements have successfully reduced the frequency and length of delays, demonstrating the effectiveness of such measures.

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Passengers currently face numerous hurdles when seeking compensation or services, including vague policies, lack of upfront communication, and reliance on in-person requests at airports. The new rulemaking aims to close these gaps by establishing clear, enforceable standards for airlines.

Public input on the proposed measures will shape the final rules. The DOT hopes these changes will create a more accountable and passenger-friendly system, ensuring travelers are better supported during disruptions.

With these proposed rules, the DOT seeks to make airline travel more reliable and fair, setting a new standard for passenger rights in the United States.