Good news! Air India passengers can now carry holy Zamzam water from Mecca

Air India has said that AI966 and AI964 flight passengers are now allowed to carry Zamzam canisters, regarded as holy water from Mecca. Various news outlets in the UAE  had earlier reported that the Indian national carrier temporarily barred carrying these cans on two flights from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Taking to Twitter, Air India apologised to the passengers for the inconvenience while carrying Zamzam canisters on its planes from Jeddah. "#FlyAI :  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 tweeted today.

The airline had banned Zamzam cans on its narrow-bodied planes considering the flight safety. Thousands of Muslims travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform their religious duty. They have to visit this Holy site once in a lifetime. 

Muslims believe that  Zamzam water can heal illness and they carry this to their homes while returning from hajj in Mecca. There is a long tale behind the benefits of Zamzam water. The pilgrims can buy 5-litre Zamzam water jar from airports. With the change in the rule, the pilgrims now will be able to carry the Zamzam water with their permissible luggage limit. 

Mecca is considered to be the Holy place for Muslims and Zamzam is the name of a well in Mecca. Saudi government introduced 5 litre cans for the Holy water instead of 10 litres so that the passenger can carry them easily.