VIA braces for heavy traffic as pilgrims return from Hajj

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) on Monday, said Velana International Airporti (VIA) will experience heavy traffic.

According to MACL, the airport's movements will be busier than usual owing to the arrival of Hajj pilgrims after completing their worship in Saudi Arabia earlier in June.

MACL also cautioned other passengers to arrive at the airport three hours ahead and follow staff instructions for smoother departure experience.

The first flight carrying returning pilgrims will arrive at VIA sometime on Monday.

Maldivian pilgrims are set to return back home in batches, with the follow-up batches of pilgrims set to return on Friday this week, and later on July 01st and 04th.

Meanwhile, Health Protection Agency (HPA) has cautioned the public over potential surgence of vector-borne diseases that pilgrims may be carrying.

A total of 1,150 pilgrims from the Maldives visited Mecca to perform this year's Hajj, which included 50 individuals sponsored by the state.