The first group of pilgrims from the Kurdistan Region departed on Thursday for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage through Erbil International Airport, marking the beginning of a series of flights that will continue until mid-May.

Karwan Stuni, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region’s Hajj and Umrah Directorate, stated that the first flight left at 9:30 a.m. local time carrying 147 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

He added that a second group of 147 pilgrims was scheduled to depart before midnight from the same airport, noting that the flights transporting pilgrims will continue until May 17.

According to the Directorate, a total of 5,120 pilgrims from the Kurdistan Region are expected to perform Hajj this year. Authorities have assigned 105 companies to organize transportation and provide services for the pilgrims, with each company responsible for 49 pilgrims.

The Hajj transportation plan includes 33 flights. Most aircraft will carry 147 passengers, while several larger planes are expected to transport up to 245 pilgrims per flight.

Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is obligatory for Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey.

The annual pilgrimage takes place between the 8th and 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar, with pilgrims arriving in advance to prepare in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.