Hajj Corporation Signs Agreement with Maldivian for Pilgrimage Transport

Hajj Corporation of the Maldives has signed an agreement with the national airline, Maldivian, to transport pilgrims for Hajj this year. The signing ceremony, held today, saw Hajj Corporation’s Managing Director, Mohamed Shakeel, sign on behalf of the organization, while Ibrahim Iyaz, Managing Director of Island Aviation, which operates Maldivian, signed for the airline.

Under the terms of the agreement, 50% of the Maldivian pilgrims traveling for Hajj this year will be flown by Maldivian. With a quota of 1,000 pilgrims allocated to the Hajj Corporation for the year, 500 individuals will travel aboard Maldivian aircraft.

During the ceremony, Managing Director Shakeel expressed that the arrangement would help reduce travel costs for the pilgrims, estimating a savings of approximately 3.6 million rufiyaa.

Islamic Minister Shaheem, speaking at the event, described the day as historic, noting that the ability for Maldivian nationals to travel for Hajj on flights with their national carrier had been made possible through the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The newly acquired wide-body aircraft by Maldivian will be used to transport pilgrims to and from the sacred sites.