In a historic first for the Maldives, the national airline, Maldivian, is set to commence direct Umrah flights from Gan International Airport to Saudi Arabia. The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart tomorrow, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s aviation and religious travel history.

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, announced via social media that these historic journeys will be operated using the airline’s Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft. The Minister highlighted that this arrangement is a substantial development for the residents of Addu City and the entire southern region. He further expressed gratitude to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for his strategic vision in making this initiative a reality.

By facilitating direct travel from the southern atolls to the holy land, the government aims to provide a more convenient and cost-effective option for pilgrims. This new route eliminates the need for travelers to transit through Malé, resulting in significant savings in both time and expenses for families. The administration has been actively working to streamline arrangements for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, introducing various services to enhance the pilgrimage experience.

Maldivian first launched its wide-body operations for Umrah in July last year. During its initial phase, the airline transported over 750 pilgrims and has since played a crucial role in facilitating travel during the Hajj season. There has been a notable increase in Maldivians performing Umrah as families, including children and youth, seeking more direct travel options.