The Spokesman for the Libyan General Authority for Hajj and Umrah Affairs, Abdullah Al-Aqeeli announced that the inaugural Hajj pilgrimage flight to Mecca is set to depart from Tripoli on Friday.
The flights will sequentially take off from various airports including Mitiga, Tobruk, Sebha, and Misrata Airports. It is estimated that about three flights, carrying a total of 730 pilgrims each day, will operate via Afriqiyah Airlines.
Notably, the Deputy Head of Libya’s Hajj and Umrah Affairs Office, Sabri Al-Buaishi said that the targeted numbers of pilgrims this year include the remaining pilgrims of 2020.
In press statements, Al-Buaishi said that they had given priority to those that remained from 2020, without having to take part in the lottery. In addition to the age groups that were targeted not to go, who are over 65 years old.
Al-Buaishi added that the rest of the 2021 lists will have a lottery this year, to supplement the existing number of the 2020 lottery. This is estimated at 7,800 pilgrims and will take place between the 15-17 of Shawwal.
Al-Buaishi indicated that those who remained from the 2021 lottery will be able to perform Hajj in 2024.
Regarding the accommodation of Libyan pilgrims, Al-Buaishi affirmed that the authority has contracted with the Anjum Hotel in the central area for pilgrims, and the Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel. In addition to transport companies within Saudi Arabia. As for Medina, the authority has contracted with 5-star hotels, in front of the Prophet’s Mosque directly.
Al-Buaishi confirmed that things are going well in preparation for the current season of Libyan pilgrims this year.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.