Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has advised travellers to expect congestion at Velana International Airport as Maldivian Hajj pilgrims return to the country this week.

In a travel advisory issued on Tuesday, MACL said passenger and visitor traffic is expected to increase significantly on June 5, 7, 8 and 9, when pilgrims are scheduled to arrive from Saudi Arabia following the completion of Hajj.

The company warned that the higher number of travellers and people receiving passengers could lead to heavy traffic around the airport and limited parking availability.

To reduce delays and ease congestion, MACL encouraged travellers to use public ferry and bus services when travelling to and from the airport on the affected dates.

MACL thanked the public for their cooperation and understanding during the busy travel period.