The third group of pilgrims from the Maldives departing for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage has left. The third group of pilgrims departed at around 6:30 am on a Maldivian wide-body aircraft. 252 people have departed on this flight. The flight is expected to land at Jeddah Airport at 12:55. As in previous years, the government has made convenient arrangements for pilgrims to travel to the airport this year as well. As such, arrangements have been made for bus travel from Male’ and Hulhumale’. Ferry travel arrangements have also been made. Accordingly, bus trips started at 1:30 am last night, and pilgrims have begun to gather at the airport.
Maldivian pilgrims began departing for this year’s Hajj on Monday. While pilgrims are traveling to Saudi Arabia in 4 groups, they are traveling on both Saudi Airlines and Maldivian flights. As such, two trips have been made to Saudi Arabia on Maldivian aircraft so far. The last group of pilgrims is scheduled to depart tomorrow afternoon. That is on Saudi Airlines. Maldivian pilgrims are departing for Hajj this time after completing all stages of Saudi Arabian immigration. This service has been facilitated for Maldivians under the special directive of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
