A group of Libyan pilgrims from Sirte, Jufra and Harawa left Sirte Gulf International Airport on Saturday afternoon, heading directly to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj this year.
The pilgrims, who fall under the Central Hajj Coordination Committee, departed on a Buraq Air flight in what officials described as the first direct journey from Sirte Gulf International Airport to Saudi Arabia.
The departure ceremony was attended by Sirte Mayor Mukhtar Al-Maadani, Jufra Mayor Jamaa Al-Tahami, Sirte Gulf International Airport Director General Imran Faraj, Sirte Municipal Council official Khamis Al-Hussein, and members of the supervisory committee.
Imran Faraj told the Libyan News Agency that 144 male and female pilgrims left the airport on Saturday from Sirte, Jufra and Harawa. He said all necessary arrangements had been provided by the Central Hajj Coordination Committee to ensure smooth travel procedures.
Scout youth groups, the Libyan Red Crescent and Sirte Youth Hostel teams also took part in assisting the pilgrims, helping with luggage, bags and departure procedures at the airport.
The direct flight marks an important step in easing travel for pilgrims from central Libya, reducing the need for long overland journeys to other airports before heading to Saudi Arabia.