Hajj pilgrims fly out with Maldivian Airlines

Maldives national airline, Maldivian has resumed direct flights to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, ending a years-long reliance on foreign carriers.

The second group of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj departed this morning on Maldivian Airlines flight Q2 6360, which took off from Velana International Airport at 8 am and is expected to land in Jeddah at 11 am local time. The flight carried 255 pilgrims.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs confirmed that 500 pilgrims , half of this year’s quota allocated by Saudi Arabia will travel with Maldivian.

Prior to this, Maldivian pilgrims have travelled on chartered foreign airlines.

Hajj Corporation Managing Director Mohamed Shakeel said the move would save MVR 3.4 million in costs this year, and efforts were under way to ensure that all future Hajj pilgrims fly with the national carrier.

The government has said the decision aligns with its broader strategy to reduce the financial burden on pilgrims.

This year also marks the Maldives’ inclusion in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca Route Initiative, which allows pilgrims to complete immigration procedures at the point of departure, eliminating the need for clearance on arrival in Jeddah. Luggage is also transferred directly to their hotels.