The second group of Maldivian pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s Hajj pilgrimage departed from the Maldives on Saturday morning.

The pilgrims departed at 8:04 a.m. on a flight operated by the national airline, Maldivian.

A total of 260 pilgrims travelled on the flight to Saudi Arabia. The first group of Maldivian pilgrims, consisting of 238 people, had already arrived in Makkah and completed their first Umrah.

Preparations are also underway by the Maldivian Hajj Mission and Maldives Hajj Corporation to warmly welcome the second group of pilgrims arriving in Makkah.

The remaining Maldivian pilgrims scheduled to travel for Hajj this year are set to depart on 18 May and 19.

As in previous years, Maldivian pilgrims are travelling under the Makkah Route Initiative, which is aimed at easing travel procedures and facilitating a smoother journey for pilgrims.