The first batch of 320 Haj pilgrims left for the Holy Land today on a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight from the KL International Airport (KLIA) at 1.30am.  

KL Airport Services Sdn Berhad (KLAS) chairperson Abdul Mutalib Muhamed Razak said KLAS operated 61 flights through Saudi Arabian Airlines for Haj pilgrims this year.

“About 14,000 Haj pilgrims have chosen to use Saudi Arabian Airlines this year, which is half of the total 28,000 pilgrims,” he told reporters.

Earlier, he presented contributions of food and drinks to the first batch of pilgrims.

The pilgrims will be welcomed by 600 Tabung Haji officers and personnel who are stationed in Medina and Mecca.

The last flight run by KLAS is on Oct 18, while the first flight back to Malaysia is scheduled for Nov 1.

Meanwhile, another Haj flight, operated by Malaysia Airlines, is set to leave KLIA at 12.30pm today.

- Bernama