The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Malé Area Command has successfully concluded the ‘Hajj Arrival Operation’, providing assistance to pilgrims returning to the Maldives after completing this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

The operation was conducted from June 13 to 17, coinciding with the return dates of the pilgrims.

As part of the operation, the MNDF extended necessary support to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and other institutions to facilitate the pilgrims’ arrival arrangements.

In addition to assisting with arrival procedures, the MNDF also supported the pilgrims’ departure by transporting luggage from Malé to the airport, coordinating logistical arrangements, and working alongside other relevant agencies to ensure smooth operations at the airport terminal.

Marines from MDU 2, MDU 3, and MDU 4 units under the Malé Area Command were actively engaged in the operation.

The final flight carrying pilgrims landed at 10:54 p.m. yesterday, with a total of 255 pilgrims arriving on the national airline, Maldivian.

This year, 1,000 pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia under the Government quota, all of whom were sent under the supervision of the Maldives Hajj Corporation.