Details of the launch of a Saudi-Iraqi air bridge in Arar to repatriate stranded citizens

In a move reflecting the deep fraternal ties and strategic cooperation between Riyadh and Baghdad, Saudi-Iraqi air bridge via Arar International Airport in the Northern Borders Region. This urgent measure aims to evacuate and repatriate Iraqi citizens stranded abroad, in response to the recent emergency situation in the region.

Reasons for launching the exceptional air bridge

This high-level logistical initiative comes as a result of regional tensions that led to the closure of some airspace and air corridors in the Middle East. To ensure passenger safety, it was decided to reroute the return flights through Saudi Arabia, highlighting the Kingdom's pivotal role in providing logistical and humanitarian support to neighboring countries during times of crisis, and securing safe alternative routes.

Evacuation plan: Two phases to ensure passenger safety

The air bridge's operational plan is based on a structured strategy consisting of two main phases to ensure smooth traffic flow and passenger comfort:

• The first phase involves receiving flights belonging to Iraqi Airways, coming from several international capitals and cities, most notably New Delhi and Cairo, and landing them safely at Arar International Airport.
• The second stage begins immediately upon the arrival of the travelers at the airport, where they are transported directly via modern and fully equipped buses to the “Jadidah Arar” land border crossing, in preparation for their safe passage into Iraqi territory.

Unprecedented Saudi diplomatic efforts and facilitations

For its part, the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the completion of all necessary procedures to receive Iraqi citizens. The Embassy confirmed that it had obtained the necessary official approvals from the relevant authorities in the Kingdom, praising the high level of ongoing coordination to ensure the swift repatriation of those stranded.

The embassy expressed its deep gratitude to the Saudi authorities for their significant cooperation in facilitating transit visa procedures at border crossings. This cooperation directly contributed to expediting the transfer of Iraqi citizens and their return home without delay, as border crossings with the Gulf countries are experiencing a high level of traffic flow thanks to joint organizational efforts.

The strategic importance of the new Arar border crossing

The selection of the Jadidah Arar border crossing and Arar International Airport for this mission is of significant strategic and historical importance. This vital crossing was reopened in late 2020 after being closed for nearly three decades, and has since become a major artery for bilateral trade, a safe passage for pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah, and a pivotal point of connection between the two brotherly nations.

The success of this logistical coordination today reflects the fruits of joint work within the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council, and confirms the strength of bilateral relations and the ability of the two countries to manage emergency crises with high efficiency, which positively impacts regional stability and the security and safety of citizens in both countries.