Mashable: The flight has taken off from Karipur.

In a first, an only women's Hajj flight will take from Kerela's Calicut International Airport at Karipur. The Federal Minister of State for Minority Affairs, John Barla, gave his permission for the flight, reports the Gulf News.

Not only did Barla perform a flag-off ceremony, but also gave the boarding passes to the passengers. This is the first time in Kerela's history that an all-women-only flight is taking off for Hajj. Along with the passengers, the pilot and the crew also consist of women.

Barla believes this helps in empowering more women and hopes the pilgrim pray for India's security and progress.

Women power 

— Mohammad khursheed Ahmad (@Mohamma89965954) June 8, 2023
Along with 145 women passengers, and the flight crew, the dispatch, flight operation, engineering, and more services and activities were also performed by women.

Of the passengers, the senior member is a 76-year-old lady, Sulaikha. Barla also stated that this was possible with the aid of the State Hajj Committee.

Kerala: First women’s Hajj flight takes off from Karipur pic.twitter.com/lhxWqvAHc7

— Take One (@takeonedigital) June 9, 2023
Interestingly, this is the first of eleven such flights to leave from Karipur airport. This initiative was taken by Kerela to help 1,595 women pilgrims, who fall under the ‘ladies without Mehram’ category.

The fatigue will be overcome, and the reward is sure, if Allah wills.#Proclaim_to_the_People#Makkah_and_Madinah_Eagerly_Await_You pic.twitter.com/7Gaj4EP1Fs

— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) June 8, 2023
According to reports, around 2,733 women fall into the above-mentioned quota. About 1,718 women will leave from Karipur, another 563 from Kochi, and the remaining 452 through Kannur.

Haj pilgrims took off from Calicut Airport, and I had the privilege of waving them goodbye, proudly holding the flag. It was a momentous occasion, marking a new era of empowerment and inclusivity for female pilgrims.@smritiirani @MOMAIndia @BJP4India pic.twitter.com/6FHeGj03hi

— John Barla (@johnbarlabjp) June 9, 2023
Jagan Mohan Reddy, Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister, revealed that the authorities have appointed a Hajj Committee to accompany the women. Moreover, this is the first time people are leaving for Hajj from Vijayawada.