The first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Maldives have left for Saudi Arabia Monday evening.
222 intending pilgrims who booked their Hajj tours through Maldives Hajj Corporation Ltd. (MHC) left for Saudi Arabia at 08:10pm.
The state-owned company said its clients would travel with Saudi Arabian Airlines on August 15, 18, 21 and 22.
img:http://s3.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14712748987889.jpg|Hajj pilgrims with their families at INIA before departure to Saudi Arabia - Photo: PSM News
Private Hajj tour operators have scheduled their outbound flights for August 18, 20, 21, 22 and 23.
Private operators have made air travel arrangements in collaboration with Maldivian, Sri Lankan Airlines, Qatar Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines.
img:http://s2.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14712749197207.jpg|Hajj pilgrims with their families at INIA before departure to Saudi Arabia - Photo: PSM News
The Ministry licensed 5 private operators to organise Hajj tours this year, with each receiving a quota of 200 pilgrims, while MHC was allotted a quota of 1,000 pilgrims.
The Saudi Arabian Government granted a Hajj quota of 2,000 pilgrims to the Maldives this year.