First Direct Umrah Flight Departs Addu City for Saudi Arabia

In a historic milestone for southern connectivity, the Maldives has launched its first-ever direct Umrah flights from Addu Gan International Airport to Saudi Arabia. The inaugural flight, operated by the national carrier Maldivian, carried 260 pilgrims, including children, marking a significant shift in accessibility for residents of Addu City and the surrounding southern atolls. The service was organized through a partnership between Maldivian and the travel agency The Traveller. Utilizing an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, the flight removes the previous necessity for southern pilgrims to transit through Malé, drastically reducing travel time and logistical burdens for those embarking on the religious journey. Maldivian officials described the launch as a landmark achievement. The airline noted that providing direct access from the southern region is part of a broader strategy to improve travel ease for Maldivians. This initiative follows the success of direct Umrah flights launched from the capital region in July last year, which saw over 750 pilgrims on their first journey. This expansion comes amid a growing trend of Maldivians performing Umrah, with a notable increase in youth and families with young children undertaking the pilgrimage. The government has been actively introducing new services and arrangements to streamline both Umrah and Hajj travel, ensuring the process is more inclusive and efficient for all citizens. Beyond religious travel, the national airline continues to strengthen regional infrastructure through its dedicated Southern Connectivity Network. This system provides scheduled flights between Addu, Fuvahmulah, and the three regions of Huvadhoo Atoll, integrating the southern atolls more closely with the rest of the country. Maldivian has confirmed that this inaugural flight is the beginning of a sustained service, with more direct flights from the south expected to be scheduled in the future to meet the rising demand from the region.