Medina, Saudi Arabia: The first groups of Iranian Hajj pilgrims have begun arriving in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 pilgrimage season. Officials are receiving them in Medina under coordinated arrangements between Tehran and Riyadh.
The first flight carrying about 260 Iranian pilgrims departed Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran for Medina. This followed a ceremony attended by Iranian officials.
The pilgrims arrived at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. There, officials received them and introduced facilitation measures to ensure a smooth arrival and stay. Moreover, Saudi officials welcomed arriving pilgrims with flowers, dates and Zamzam water.
Iranian authorities said about 30,000 Iranian pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2026. This will be under arrangements agreed with Saudi officials.
Officials said Iran will operate this year’s pilgrimage travel through a combined land-and-air plan via the Arar border crossing. Meanwhile, flights will continue to support both inbound and outbound journeys.
The report added that Iran’s Hajj Organisation had already sent an advance team to Medina. This team was sent to complete logistical preparations ahead of the pilgrims’ arrival.
Read: Pakistan Hajj 2026 Arrangements Finalised for 180,000 Pilgrims
Arrangements include accommodation, medical support and services coordinated by Iranian pilgrimage authorities and Saudi service providers. The report said Saudi airline flynas has resumed Hajj flights from Iran for the first time in about 10 years.
Hajj rituals for 1447H are likely to take place from May 25 to May 30, 2026, depending on moon sighting.
