The first group of 298 people has departed to Saudi Arabia for Hajj on Friday with 272 pilgrims and 26 aids. The pilgrims are being sent to Hajj under the authority of Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited this year. Excluding support staff, the total count adds up to 918 pilgrims set to depart over three different days this year which rises to 990 including support staff. In order to provide additional eases for the pilgrims, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, together with state institutions have coordinated additional travel arrangements of both persons and luggage to the Velana International Airport (VIA) from Hulhumale', Male' City and Vilimale'