Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has issued an advisory urging travelers to exercise caution and plan their journeys carefully as Velana International Airport (VIA) anticipates significant congestion during the return of Hajj pilgrims over the coming days.
In a statement posted on social media, MACL warned that a large number of passengers, including returning pilgrims and other travelers, will arrive at the airport during the designated return days following this year's Hajj pilgrimage.
MACL emphasised that this surge in passenger volume is expected to create substantial pressure on airport facilities, particularly parking areas and surrounding traffic.
The returning pilgrims are scheduled to arrive in four separate flights across four consecutive days. The first flight, operated by Saudi Airlines, will touch down at VIA on 5 June at 2:00 pm local time. Two days later, on 7 June, the second flight carrying pilgrims will arrive at 5:40 pm, this time via the national carrier Maldivian. The third flight, another Saudi Airlines service, is scheduled for 8 June at 2:00 pm local time. The final group of returning pilgrims will arrive on 9 June at 12:00 pm aboard a Maldivian flight.
Given the expected heavy congestion in airport parking and traffic during these days, MACL strongly advised those who need to arrive at the airport to consider alternative transportation methods. The authorities recommended using the airport ferry service or the dedicated airport bus to avoid delays and minimise traffic congestion around the airport premises.
Each year, the Maldives receives an annual quota of 1,000 pilgrims for the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The government has made arrangements to facilitate the Hajj pilgrimage according to their queue order among those who have completed their Hajj payments under this quota system.