First Hadj pilgrims depart from Ghardaïa

Emotion and excitement filled Ghardaïa airport Monday night as the first group of pilgrims departed for Saudi Arabia to perform the Hadj pilgrimage for the 2026 season.

The flight carried 374 pilgrims aboard a Malaysian Airlines aircraft bound for Medina, marking the beginning of a spiritual journey for more than 1,100 pilgrims scheduled to travel from the region.

Families and relatives gathered at the airport to bid farewell to their loved ones in an atmosphere filled with prayers, tears, and joy, while local authorities oversaw the departure and facilitated travel procedures to ensure a smooth journey. Many pilgrims expressed deep happiness and gratitude as they prepared to fulfill one of Islam’s most sacred obligations. The occasion also saw the inauguration of a new VIP lounge at the airport, aimed at improving reception and passenger services.