**Subject:** Withdrawal of Embarkation Facility at Gannavaram Airport for Haj Pilgrims
**Summary:**
This document addresses Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1620, concerning the withdrawal of the embarkation facility at Gannavaram Airport (Vijayawada) for Haj pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs confirms that while 19 embarkation points (EPs) were initially designated for Haj 2025, only 18 were operationalized. Gannavaram Airport was not operationalized due to low pilgrim demand (78 pilgrims opted for Vijayawada EP) and the high cost of airfare, which was reportedly double that of nearby embarkation points. This rendered operating the Gannavaram embarkation point unviable.
The reinstatement of Gannavaram Airport as an embarkation point is currently under consideration by the Competent Authority, taking into account input from relevant stakeholders. A timeline for a decision was not provided.
Key Entities Referenced
MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS: The Indian government ministry responsible for minority affairs.
SHRI P V MIDHUN REDDY: Member of Parliament who raised the question in Lok Sabha.
Gannavaram Airport: Airport in Andhra Pradesh, previously used as an embarkation point for Haj pilgrims.
Andhra Pradesh: Indian state from which Haj pilgrims previously embarked from Gannavaram Airport.
Hyderabad: City in Telangana, serving as an alternative embarkation point for Haj pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh.
SHRI KIREN RIJIJU: The Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS who provided the answer to the question in Lok Sabha.
Haj 2025: The specific year's Haj pilgrimage being discussed in the context of embarkation points.
Vijayawada: City in Andhra Pradesh where Gannavaram Airport is located.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1620
TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025
WITHDRAWAL OF EMBARKATION FACILITY AT GANNAVARAM AIRPORT
1620. SHRI P V MIDHUN REDDY:
Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the embarkation facility at Gannavaram Airport has been withdrawn forcing Haj
pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh to travel to Hyderabad once again and if so, the reasons for
this withdrawal; and
(b) whether the Government is planning to reinstate Gannavaram Airport as an embarkation
point for Haj pilgrims to facilitate easier access, if so, the timeline for the same and if not, the
reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)
(a): There were 19 Embarkation points (EP) for Haj 2025, however, 18 EP were
operationalized for Haj 2025. Selection of Embarkation points is based on the demand from
the pilgrims and feasibility of the operating international flights, corresponding air fares, etc.
During Haj-2025, only 78 pilgrims opted for Vijayawada EP (Gannavaram Airport). Due to
low pilgrim count and high airfare (double that of nearby embarkation points), it was
operationally unviable to operate this Embarkation Point.
(b) The subject matter is under active consideration of the Competent Authority, based on
inputs from relevant stakeholders in this matter.
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