A record number of 9,000 pilgrims will arrive for Haj from the Russian Federation, Jeddah-based 'Arab News' quoted Mohammad Gamzaev, the Head of the Russian Haj Mission, as saying . Gamzaev has been on Haj duty to the Kingdom for five times and this time he is leading a 19-member delegation. The number of pilgrims this year is 4,000 more than last year. "Most of the pilgrims are from the Caucasus, including Daghestan, Chechnya and Ingus," Gamzaev told Arab News. There will be a total of 14 flights - nine direct from the Daghestan capital Mahajkala, one from Chechnya and two from Ingus via Mahajkala, and one special flight each from Kazan, capital of Tataristan and Ufa, Baskkinia capital, also via Mahajkala. All will be Daghestan Airways charter flights and arrive in Madinah, with the first one landing on Jan. 8, 2005, and the last on Jan. 14. Return flights will begin on Jan. 25, with the last one on Feb. 1. --more 1427 Local Time 1127 GMT
