Hajj Corporation says Maldivian Umrah pilgrims are safe and travel to Saudi Arabia continues as planned

The Hajj Corporation has assured that Maldivian Umrah pilgrims are safe and that travel to Saudi Arabia is continuing without disruption, despite regional airspace closures caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

An official from the corporation told Sun that the group of pilgrims who departed on Saturday has already arrived in Saudi Arabia and is in good condition. The official added that around 300 additional pilgrims are scheduled to travel on a charter flight on Saturday evening.

“There are no difficulties in any arrangements. All trips are proceeding as planned,” the official said.

The reassurance comes as several Middle Eastern countries temporarily closed parts of their airspace following Israel’s attack on Iran, prompting flight delays and rerouting across the region, including in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has advised passengers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport to confirm any changes to flight times or dates. Travellers have also been urged to follow official instructions and exercise patience at major airports, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport.

A large number of Maldivians travel for Umrah during Ramadan, and many more are preparing to depart in the coming days.