The first group of Maldivian pilgrims has returned to the Maldives after completing this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. A total of 241 pilgrims arrived in the country on the first return flight, marking the start of the operation to bring pilgrims home following the conclusion of Hajj.

Maldivian pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia this year on flights operated by Saudia and Maldivian. The Maldivian Hajj Mission stated pilgrims are scheduled to return on four flights over four days, with the first flight arriving on Friday and the remaining flights due on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

The second return flight, operated by Maldivian, is scheduled to arrive at Velana International Airport at 5:40 p.m. on Sunday. The third flight, operated by Saudia, is expected to arrive at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, while the final group of pilgrims is scheduled to arrive shortly after midnight on Tuesday on a Maldivian flight.

The Maldives receives an annual Hajj quota of 1,000 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims are selected under a queue system among those who have completed the necessary arrangements to undertake the pilgrimage.