KABUL: Afghanistan has officially launched the transfer of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj, the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs said in a statement this morning.
The process began during a ceremony at the Hajj complex in Kabul, attended by Hafiz Mohammad Hamed Hasib, deputy minister of the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs, officials from Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air, and a number of pilgrims.
Authorities said around 30,000 Afghan pilgrims will be transported this year by the two domestic airlines from four regions of the country to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
According to officials, a total of 96 flights will be operated in two phases, and bout 15,000 pilgrims will first be flown to Medina, followed by another 15,000 to Jeddah.
Officials added that necessary measures and logistical arrangements have been put in place to ensure better services for pilgrims. Delegations from the ministry have already been dispatched to Saudi Arabia to coordinate preparations and facilitate the arrival of Afghan pilgrims.
Preparations for organizing the 1405 Hajj season had been underway for several months, the ministry said.