Authorities have announced the start of the return of pilgrims to their home countries following the completion of the Hajj rituals for the 1445 AH season. In this context, the first flights carrying Iranian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. An Iranian official, in a statement to the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, revealed that 30,000 Iranian pilgrims had begun departing by air, in a massive logistical operation that culminates a successful Hajj season marked by close cooperation between the two countries.
Details of the process of returning Iranian pilgrims by air
The repatriation of tens of thousands of pilgrims in a short period presents a significant logistical challenge, which the Saudi authorities are handling with remarkable efficiency. This operation involves close coordination between the civil aviation authorities of both countries, the management of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina, as well as Iranian and Saudi airlines. Flights are operating around the clock to ensure the smooth and safe transport of pilgrims, with all necessary services provided to them in the airport terminals until they board their aircraft. The announced figure of 30,000 pilgrims represents the first group of the more than 87,000 Iranian pilgrims this year, reflecting the scale of the efforts undertaken to ensure their comfort and safety from arrival to departure.
A successful Hajj season reflects the development of diplomatic relations
The successful organization of the Hajj pilgrimage for Iranians this year serves as tangible evidence of the significant improvement in relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran. After years of tension, bilateral relations witnessed a historic breakthrough in 2023, mediated by China, which led to the reopening of embassies and the reactivation of direct communication channels. This rapprochement was reflected positively and directly in the Hajj arrangements, with coordination at the highest levels to ensure all necessary facilities were provided for Iranian pilgrims. The successful management of this vital matter not only has religious and logistical implications but also sends positive political messages to the entire region, underscoring that dialogue and cooperation are the best way to enhance regional stability. The smooth performance of the Hajj rituals by Iranians and their orderly return are seen as an important step in building trust and deepening future cooperation between the two regional powers.
In conclusion, the start of the return of 30,000 Iranian pilgrims represents more than just an airlift operation; it symbolizes the success of the 1445 AH Hajj season and is considered the fruit of joint diplomatic and logistical efforts, opening up promising prospects for further cooperation between Riyadh and Tehran in various fields.
