Maldivian Marks Milestone with First Direct Umrah Flight from Gan

A total of 259 passengers travelled on the inaugural flight, including 110 pilgrims who boarded at Gan.

Mohamed Hilmy

12 July 2026, 04:33

Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has operated its first-ever direct Umrah flight from Gan International Airport to Jeddah, marking a historic milestone for air travel in the country's southern region.

The inaugural flight departed at 4:24 a.m. today, operating on the Malé – Gan – Jeddah route using the airline's Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft. The return service will operate on the Jeddah – Gan – Malé route.

A total of 259 passengers travelled on the inaugural flight, including 110 pilgrims who boarded at Gan, highlighting the growing demand for international services from the southern atolls.

The launch of the direct Gan–Jeddah service is expected to make Umrah travel more convenient for residents of the southern Maldives by reducing the need to travel to Malé before departing for Saudi Arabia.

The inaugural flight represents a significant milestone for both Maldivian and Gan International Airport, as it is the first direct Umrah service to operate between Gan and Jeddah.

The service also demonstrates the airline's expanded long-haul capabilities with its Airbus A330 fleet while improving connectivity for pilgrims across the country.

Maldivian Marks Milestone with First Direct Umrah Flight from Gan

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