Maldivian has expanded its Umrah operations with the launch of the first direct flight from Gan International Airport (GIA) to Saudi Arabia, marking a new milestone in the national airline's pilgrimage services.

The inaugural flight, operated using Maldivian's Airbus A330 aircraft, departed at 4:24 a.m. carrying 260 passengers, including children, in collaboration with travel agency The Traveler. The new service provides residents of Addu City and the southern atolls with direct access to Saudi Arabia for Umrah without first travelling to Velana International Airport.

The launch further expands Maldivian's pilgrimage operations, which have grown since the introduction of its Airbus A330 fleet. Between May last year and May this year, the airline operated 26 Hajj and Umrah flights, transporting 6,073 passengers.

The direct Umrah service also strengthens Gan's role as the aviation hub of the south. Maldivian has already established the South Connectivity Network, linking Addu with Fuvahmulah and Huvadhu Atoll through scheduled domestic services and improving regional connectivity ahead of the launch of international pilgrimage flights.

Maldivian first launched Umrah flights in July 2025, with its pilgrimage operations expanding significantly following the introduction of its wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft.