First Batch of 2026 Hajj pilgrims departs

By T.K.G Kapila 

Katunayake, May 1 (Daily Mirror) — The first group of Sri Lankan pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj season departed from Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake tonight (May 1).

A total of 325 pilgrims left for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking the commencement of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage from Sri Lanka.

A special ceremony was held at the airport’s departure terminal to mark the occasion. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rizvi Sali and Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Khalid Hamoud Al Kahtani were among those present, along with several senior officials of the Sri Lanka Hajj Committee.

Saudi Airlines operated a special flight for the first group. The aircraft, SV-839, departed Katunayake for Jeddah at 9.05 p.m.

In total, around 3,500 pilgrims from Sri Lanka have been selected to perform Hajj in 2026. In addition to the Saudi Airlines flight, Qatar Airways is also scheduled to transport pilgrims to Mecca during the season.