MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN
COLOMBO : The first batch of 350 Sri Lankan Hajj pilgrims left for Jeddah on Friday night on May 1 from the BIA by Saudi Arabian Airlines .
Saudi Ambassador Khalid AlKahatani, deputy speaker Dr Rizvi Salih, Haj Committee Chairman Reyaz Mihular, Director of Muslim Religious Affairs M S M Nawaz, Hisham and Karim Shams from Saudia and chairman of the Traveler Global Rizmi Reyal and other dignitaries were present to see them off at the ceremonial send off.
To mark the occasion , a Saudia cake was cut to formally send off the pilgrims.
This year , a. total of 3,500 Sri Lankan pilgrims will go on the pilgrimage. The last Hajj flight from Colombo is on May 22 by Saudia
Pilgrims travelling on these special services can look forward to an elevated travel experience, as Saudia will deploy the Boeing 787 Dreamliner — one of the most advanced wide-body aircraft in commercial aviation — on this sector. Known for its superior passenger comfort, fuel efficiency, and state-of-the-art cabin technology, the Dreamliner ensures that pilgrims begin their sacred journey in comfort and ease, befitting the spiritual significance of the occasion.
Upon the conclusion of the Hajj season, return flights will be operated in June, bringing pilgrims directly back to Colombo from both Jeddah and Medina. The inclusion of Medina as a departure point allows pilgrims who conclude their stay there to travel home without the need for additional transfers.
