Malappuram: The first batch of Hajj pilgrims sent by the State Hajj Committee returned to Kerala on Monday. The 327 pilgrims who departed from Kozhikode International Airport on May 21 returned in two Air India Express flights. Hajj Committee Chairman C Muhammed Faizy and other officials welcomed the returning pilgrims.

The first flight, carrying 166 pilgrims, landed at 4.15 pm, while the second flight, with 161 pilgrims on board, arrived at around 8.30 pm. The government has appointed 17 officials to assist the pilgrims -- with their luggage and Zamzam water collection -- at the airport.

The pilgrims left for Mecca from three embarkation points arranged at Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur airports. The return of the pilgrims to Kochi and Kannur will commence on July 10. Saudi Airlines operated the pilgrimage from these two airports.

Air India Express and Saudi Airlines operated 89 services in Kerala, of which 64 were from Kozhikode, 16 from Kochi, and nine from Kannur. The last batch of pilgrims from the state is scheduled to return on July 22.