The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved Saudia Airlines to operate its chartered flights for Haj pilgrims from Mangalore Airport to Saudi Arabia this year, according to M.R. Vasudeva, Director, Mangalore Airport.

He told that Air India Express will not operate its flights for Haj pilgrims from here this year. The dates and schedules of operation of Saudia Airlines had not been finalised, Mr. Vasudeva said.