Afghanistan completes transfer of 30,000 Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs has announced the successful completion of the transfer of 30,000 Afghan pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said the pilgrims were transported by Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air, with all pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia aboard a total of 97 flights.

According to the ministry, the transfer process was conducted in two phases. During the first phase, more than 14,800 pilgrims were flown directly to Medina on 48 flights. In the second phase, over 15,000 additional pilgrims were transported to Mecca via Jeddah Airport on 49 flights.

The ministry added that all Afghan pilgrims have now been accommodated in the central “Mahbas al-Jinn” area near the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

It also noted that the necessary coordination has been completed with Saudi authorities and service providers to facilitate the movement of pilgrims to the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Essential services, including transportation, food, and healthcare, have also been arranged.

Nearly two million Muslims from around the world are expected to gather in Makkah for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which is scheduled to begin next Monday.