The departure dates for this year’s Hajj pilgrims have been announced.
As in previous years, 50 per cent of pilgrims will be transported by Saudi Arabia’s Saudia Airlines, while the remaining 50 per cent will travel with the Maldives’ national airline, Maldivian.
A total of four flights have been scheduled to Saudi Arabia to carry pilgrims. The departure schedule is as follows:
Flight 1 – 15 May: 242 pilgrims
Flight 2 – 17 May: 250 pilgrims
Flight 3 – 18 May: 243 pilgrims
Flight 4 – 19 May: 250 pilgrims
Pilgrims departing on 15 and 18 May will travel on Saudia Airlines, while those travelling on 17 and 19 May will fly with Maldivian.
Return flights have also been scheduled as follows:
Flight 1 – 5 June: 242 pilgrims
Flight 2 – 7 June: 250 pilgrims
Flight 3 – 8 June: 243 pilgrims
Flight 4 – 9 June: 250 pilgrims
Pilgrims returning on 8 June will travel via Saudia Airlines, while those arriving on 5, 7 and 9 June will fly with Maldivian.
The Maldives Hajj Corporation will notify pilgrims of their assigned departure dates.
The agreement between Saudia Airlines and the Maldives Hajj Corporation to transport 50 per cent of Maldivian pilgrims was signed in November last year during the Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025 held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Preparations for Hajj are being carried out by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the Maldives Hajj Mission and the Hajj Corporation. According to the Gregorian calendar, Arafat Day will fall on 26 May this year.
The Maldives receives an annual quota of 1,000 pilgrims for Hajj, which also includes officials travelling from relevant agencies.
The Maldives Hajj Mission is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia on 4 May to undertake final preparations.