Patna: Hajj pilgrims from Bihar are set to benefit from direct flight services to Saudi Arabia from Patna Airport beginning in 2027, marking the first time that pilgrims from the state will be able to travel directly to Jeddah and Medina without transiting through another Indian city.
The Minority Welfare Department said the new service is expected to make the pilgrimage more convenient for thousands of devotees from Bihar.
Direct Flights From Patna
According to the department, direct flights from Patna to Jeddah and Medina will reduce travel time and eliminate the need for pilgrims to depart via airports such as Kolkata.
The journey from Patna to Saudi Arabia is expected to take around seven hours.
Officials also pointed out that the close proximity of Haj Bhawan on Harding Road to Patna Airport would make travel arrangements easier for pilgrims before departure.
The department has advised prospective applicants to obtain their passports well in advance and select Patna as their preferred embarkation point while applying for Hajj.
Gaya Hajj Flights To Resume
The government also announced that Hajj flight operations from Gaya Airport will resume in 2027.
Direct Hajj flights had operated from Gaya between 2012 and 2025 but were suspended in 2026 because of low passenger numbers.
Application Deadline And Eligibility
The online application process for Hajj 2027 is currently underway, with the deadline set for July 20.
Applicants can submit their forms through the Haj Committee of India website or the Haj Suvidha mobile application. Online application assistance and passport-related services are also available at Haj Bhawan in Patna.
Under the guidelines issued by Saudi Arabia, children below the age of 15 are not permitted to undertake the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims aged above 65 must travel with an attendant, with the additional cost to be borne by the applicant.
Applicants are also required to hold passports valid until December 31, 2027.
Bihar’s Hajj Quota
Bihar has been allocated a Hajj quota of around 12,000 pilgrims.
Officials said the state’s quota has generally not been fully utilised in recent years, increasing the likelihood of selection for eligible applicants.
Pilgrims selected for Hajj 2027 will be required to deposit the first instalment of Rs 1,52,300 by August 10. Detailed information regarding Hajj packages and the remaining payment schedule will be announced separately, the department said.
