“The Haj terminal is ready to welcome pilgrims going to Mecca with a new look and enhanced facilities,” said Arun Behal, Head (Haj Terminal), Delhi International Airport (P) Limited. He also mentioned that the terminal would facilitate only Haj pilgrims at the moment and no decision regarding the use of the terminal for normal operations, once the pilgrimage is over, has been taken yet.

In March this year, the GMR-led consortium had asked for the unused Haj terminal to be brought into play as a means of easing the pressure on existing facilities at the international airport. While IGI is the only airport in India to have an exclusive permanent facility for Haj passengers, the terminal opens for operations only during two months in a year. DIAL has carried out an extensive renovation programme this year to upgrade facilities at the Haj Terminal.

While the canopy outside the terminal has been extended and provided with weather protection, a dedicated area has been provided for visiting friends and family of the pilgrims.

“More than 1,500 square metre area is available for friends and family,” Arun Arora, Associate vice president, Corporate Communications, DIAL, said. The check-in counters have been increased from eight to 16 and there are eight immigration counters against six last year.

The departure starts on Thursday and will continue till November 17, while the first arrival will be on November 13, to continue till the end of December.

“With a total fleet of 54 flights, three flights - at 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm and 8 pm respectively - will depart everyday till November 17 carrying 300 passengers each from the Haj terminal ,” said Maulana Mohammad Mouzzan Ahmed, Chief Coordinator of All India Haj Committee, Delhi.

The security hold area has been realigned and can now hold over 600 passengers at a time. Apart from a dining hall and kitchen, a namaz hall has also been built for passengers to offer prayers.

Special parking space has been created opposite the terminal to hold more than 500 cars and buses. A satellite parking facility is also available at a nearby location. Flights are being operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines with support from Air India.