First Group of Sri Lankan Pilgrims Departs for 2026 Hajj
Marking the commencement of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage season, the first group of 325 Sri Lankan pilgrims departed from Bandaranaike International Airport to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Yesterday (May-01)
A special ceremony was held at the airport’s departure terminal to mark the occasion, according to reports.
The event was attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rizvie Salih, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka Khalid Hamoud Alkahtani, and senior officials of the Sri Lanka Hajj Committee.
Saudi Arabian Airlines operated a special inaugural flight for the pilgrims. Flight SV-839 departed from Katunayake at 9:05 p.m., heading to Jeddah.
For the 2026 Hajj season, a total of 3,500 Sri Lankan pilgrims have been selected. In addition to Saudia, pilgrims are also scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia via Qatar Airways.
