A chartered flight has been arranged to send 164 Maldivians who were unable to depart earlier for Umrah, with the group scheduled to travel tonight, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced.

The Ministry stated that the pilgrims had been unable to travel due to various issues. To resolve the matter, the Maldives Hajj Corporation arranged a chartered flight operated by Maldivian.

Arrangements for accommodation and other logistical matters in Makkah have also been completed, according to the ministry.

The Ministry expressed appreciation to the Maldives Hajj Corporation and Maldivian for facilitating the journey, and thanked President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for the priority given to resolving the issue.

Earlier, Umrah travel plans were disrupted following regional tensions linked to hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran. One travel group had cancelled its trip citing the conflict.

However, the Ministry said firm action had been taken against the group after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the cancellation.