Around 4,000 people travelled for Umrah during school break

Nearly 4,000 people have travelled from the Maldives to perform Umrah during the first-term school holidays, Islamic Ministry said yesterday.

The ministry stated that 3,790 pilgrims departed for Umrah with the Maldives Hajj Corporation and private tour operators between 19 July and yesterday. The highest single-day figure was recorded last Saturday, when 784 people travelled on five flights.

The final group of pilgrims departed yesterday evening on a Saudi Airlines flight carrying 202 people.

In total, 27 flights including services operated by the national airline, Maldivian were used to transport pilgrims.

The number of people undertaking the pilgrimage during school holidays has risen significantly in recent years.

In December last year, around 6,000 people travelled for Umrah.

With Umrah packages now more affordable, averaging between MVR 25,000 and MVR 29,000 per person for December trips, many families are choosing to perform the pilgrimage together during school breaks.