Maldivian, the national carrier operated by Island Aviation, has commenced special flights to Saudi Arabia this month to facilitate Umrah pilgrimages.

The first of three planned trips was conducted yesterday, organised by Musafir Hajj and Umrah Group. The remaining two flights, arranged in collaboration with the Hajj Corporation, are scheduled for 22 and 27 July.

Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Island Aviation, stated that the decision to launch Umrah services follows strong demand from Umrah companies after the airline’s operations during this year’s Hajj season.

Maldivian is planning to operate Umrah flights in the last week of this month and continue at different times throughout the year, Iyas said, noting that the services will be jointly operated with the Hajj Corporation and a private company.