The Maldives Hajj Corporation will operate direct umrah flights from Gan International Airport in Addu City to Jeddah during the coming Ramadan.
The corporation said the first flight is scheduled for 20 February next year. It said the arrangement is meant to make travel easier for pilgrims from Addu and other southern islands, who have until now had to travel to Malé to depart for Saudi Arabia.
Packages and booking
The package covering the last 15 days of Ramadan costs MVR 48,965, the corporation said, and also includes six days of Shawwal. A package covering the entire month of Ramadan costs MVR 54,965.
Bookings can be made through the corporation's Faheli portal and its website. The payment deadline is 1pm on 19 December.
The package includes a return air ticket with an umrah visa, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, three umrah performances, religious guidance, medical services, guided tours and training sessions, the corporation said.
Flights and future plans
The flights will be operated by national airline Maldivian using wide-body aircraft, which means pilgrims in the south no longer need to go to Malé before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
The Hajj Corporation said it plans to continue direct Gan–Jeddah flights for umrah trips in July and December as well, and its long-term aim is to run direct flights from Addu in July, December and Ramadan on a sustainable basis.
An Addu-based umrah group, Dathuruveriya, previously ran a direct umrah flight from Addu to Jeddah on a Maldivian A330, carrying 110 pilgrims.
In its announcement, the corporation said improving the quality and convenience of services for hajj and umrah pilgrims has always been its biggest priority.
Sources: Sun – Hajj Corporation to launch direct Gan-Jeddah flights for umrah pilgrims in Ramadan; One Online – Hajj Corporation to start direct Umrah flights from Gan to Jeddah next Ramadan
