Srinagar, June 18 -- The first batch of 178 Hajj pilgrims returned to Srinagar from Jeddah this evening, officials said, adding that the flight landed at the Srinagar airport at around 9:15 pm.

Dr Shujaat Qureshi, Executive Officer, J&K Haj Committee, said that all necessary arrangements were made to ensure a smooth and welcoming return for the pilgrims.

The Haj House in Bemina had issued a notification stating that vehicle passes for those wishing to receive the pilgrims at the airport can be downloaded from the official website two days before the flight.

The notification said immigration clearance and baggage collection take approximately one hour after the flight's arrival, along with the details of the remaining flights, which wil...