Saudi Arabia Resumes Hajj Flights for Iranian Pilgrims After Nearly a Decade
In a significant development symbolizing improved diplomatic ties, Saudi Arabia has restarted direct flights for Iranian pilgrims traveling to Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage. This marks the first time such flights have operated since 2015.
Direct Flights Resume Ahead of Hajj 2025
According to a Saudi civil aviation official, Saudi budget airline Flynas launched its first flight from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport on Saturday. Additional routes from Mashhad are expected to follow, enabling over *35,000 Iranian pilgrims* to participate in this year’s Hajj, scheduled to begin in early June.
“These flights are solely for the Hajj pilgrimage and are not part of regular commercial services,” the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
Historically, Iranian pilgrims have traveled to Saudi Arabia via chartered Iranian flights. The resumption of direct Saudi-operated services reflects a major shift in regional diplomacy.
Diplomatic Thaw Since 2023
The revival of direct air travel between the two countries comes on the heels of a landmark *China-brokered agreement in March 2023* that restored diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran after a seven-year freeze.
Tensions between the two regional powers escalated in *2016, following the execution of Shia cleric **Nimr al-Nimr* by Saudi Arabia. The incident led to protests in Tehran and the storming of the Saudi embassy, triggering a complete diplomatic breakdown.
Since their reconciliation, both nations have made strides toward rebuilding ties. Diplomatic missions have reopened, ambassadors have been exchanged, and top-level delegations have been actively engaging.
Notably, *Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi* visited Riyadh in November 2023 to attend a joint Arab-Islamic summit focused on the Gaza conflict—the first such visit by an Iranian head of state in two decades. More recently, *Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman* visited Tehran and held talks with *Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei*.
Enhanced Connectivity and Religious Cooperation
The resumption of Hajj flights complements earlier steps to improve connectivity. In December 2023, *Iran Air* resumed services between *Mashhad and Dammam*, marking an initial step toward increased bilateral aviation links.
The latest move to restore Hajj-specific flights is seen as a gesture of goodwill, aimed at easing religious travel and supporting ongoing efforts to foster stability in the region.
As Hajj preparations intensify, the reopening of these air corridors is expected to streamline logistics for Iranian pilgrims and further bolster growing cooperation between the two influential Middle Eastern states.
