Air India permits Haj pilgrims to carry zamzam water

Air India on Tuesday clarified that passengers travelling back from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to Hyderabad and Kochi will be allowed to carry zamzam (holy water) cans, but within their permissible baggage allowance.

The carrier also apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused to them in the past. The Haj pilgrims usually carry back zamzam water from the zamzam well at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.

Earlier, Air India had banned the carrying of the water cans on its narrow-bodied aircraft to ensure flight safety. On July 4, Air India had reportedly also issued a circular to travel agents informing that the zamzam cans will not be allowed on its flights AI 966 (Jeddah to Hyderabad) and AI964 (Jeddah to Kochi) due to 'change of aircraft and limitation of seats'.

According to the airline, the passengers can now reportedly carry 45-kg baggage along with one five-litre zam zam can for business class and 40-kg baggage with one five-litre water can in the Economy class. However, this special allowance can't be converted into baggage allowance.

"With reference to instructions regarding non-carriage of zamzam cans on AI966 and AI964, we wish to clarify that passengers are allowed to carry zamzam cans within their permissible baggage allowance. Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience caused," Air India said.

The Haj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims, and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that is carried out at least once in their lifetime.

Zee Media Newsroom