Rescheduling of first Umrah pilgrimage flights following eight-year hiatus

The Deputy for Hajj and Umrah at the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation has explained the reasons behind the delay in the departure of the first group of Iranian pilgrims.

According to the Hajj and Pilgrimage Information Centre, Mr Gholamreza Rezaei provided details regarding the resumption of Umrah pilgrimage operations following an eight-year suspension.

He explained that, given the low number of registrations for the initial departure dates and the assessment that applicants required more time to coordinate their travel arrangements, the decision was made to reschedule the first flights. Consequently, the departure date has been moved from 28 December, with the first group now scheduled to travel to the holy lands on 13 January.

He added that the organisation had previously issued calls for priority groups up to 400. Should vacancies remain, further priority groups will be announced starting from Wednesday, 29 December.

According to the Deputy for Hajj and Umrah, priority for registration in this phase remains with those who complete their registration details, select their travel groups, and finalise their payments at the earliest opportunity, ensuring they can travel to the holy lands on their chosen dates.