More than 200 Gambian pilgrims on Tuesday departed for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the third batch of travellers left the country from Banjul International Airport.
The departure follows the successful airlift of the first and second groups of pilgrims earlier this week as preparations continue for the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
The pilgrims travelled under the supervision of the Gambia Hajj Commission alongside airport officials who coordinated the departure process.
Emotional scenes unfolded at the airport as relatives, friends, and well-wishers gathered to bid farewell to loved ones embarking on the spiritual journey.
Several pilgrims expressed gratitude and excitement ahead of their departure, describing the opportunity to perform Hajj as a major blessing and lifelong dream.
Among the departing pilgrims were Sulayman Darboe, Sarjo Jallow and Binta Jammeh, who thanked their families for supporting them in making the journey possible.
The pilgrims are expected to join millions of Muslims from across the world in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah for the annual pilgrimage, which remains one of the five pillars of Islam.
Authorities said further departures of Gambian pilgrims are expected in the coming days as this year’s Hajj operations continue.
By Adama Makasuba
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