As flights in the Middle East have been canceled due to the attacks on Iran led by the United States of America (USA) and Israel, Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed stated last night that they are working to find solutions to the difficulties that are faced by Maldivian pilgrims who are unable to travel for their pilgrimage within the last 10 days of Ramadan.
As per a message that was sent to various media by the minister, there are 150 Maldivians who are unable to travel for their Umrah pilgrimage.
According to Minister Shaheem, they were unable to travel due to flights from transit locations being canceled.
However, the Islamic Ministry, Maldives Hajj Corporation and Maldivian Airlines are working to find solutions upon the instruction of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, said Shaheem.
Minister Shaheem went on to say that if they are able to charter flights, they will be able to provide flight seats not just for the 150 people, but for any other individual who wishes to go on their pilgrimage, as much as they can accommodate.
"As time is of the essence, I would like to state that we are working to find solutions to these problems. Payment will be made by the pilgrims, as per the regulations surrounding travel to Umrah," said the minister.
He expressed his gratitude to President Muizzu for the priority he places on such matters that affect citizens.
Most of the flights that come to Maldives via transit have been canceled as the airspace of those nations have been closed due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The Dubai and Doha airports are transit hubs, with passengers being stranded at those airports due to the airspace closure.
