For the first time in ten years, Saudi budget airline Flynas has restarted special flights for Iranian Haj pilgrims. This move marks an important step in improving relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The flights began from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport and will also run from Mashhad, helping more than 35,000 pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia for Haj.
These flights are only for Haj pilgrims and not regular commercial services. The Haj pilgrimage is expected to start in the first week of June. This new development comes after Saudi Arabia and Iran restored diplomatic ties in March 2023, following a seven-year break. The peace deal was supported by China.
Since reestablishing ties, the two countries have exchanged ambassadors and held high-level meetings. One major event was the visit of Iran’s late President Ebrahim Raisi to Saudi Arabia in November 2023—a historic moment for both nations.
The reopening of these Haj flights also connects with ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Iran about nuclear issues. Overall, this step represents a positive sign of growing peace, religious cooperation, and regional stability between the two longtime rivals.
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