Afghanistan dispatches first group of 30,000 Hajj Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

The Taliban administration has officially launched the transfer of 30,000 Afghan pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, Khaama Press reported. The first group of 230 pilgrims departed Kabul airport for Medina on April 29, marking the start of the operation. The transfers will be conducted through two national airlines, Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air, with a total of 97 flights scheduled over the next month. Special Hajj coordination centers have been established in various provinces to ensure smooth logistics and organization.

Noor Mohammad Saqib, the acting Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs, highlighted that this year’s contingent includes 652 teachers and 300 school staff, reflecting a diverse group of participants. The cost per pilgrim is set at $3,924, equivalent to 340,000 Afghanis.