Srinagar, (IANS) : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday received the first batch of Haj pilgrims, returning from Saudi Arabia after performing the pilgrimage, at the Srinagar International Airport.

She welcomed and congratulated the Haj pilgrims.

As many as 6,457 Hajis from Jammu and Kashmir performed the pilgrimage this year.

They were flown in around 20 flights to Madinah from Srinagar International Airport.

Arrangements to facilitate hassle-free arrival of pilgrims and subsequent smooth journey from the airport to their respective destinations have been put in place.

Hajj flights from Saudi Arabia to Srinagar will operate from September 24 to October 3 with two daily flights.