Head of Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation: Preparations for Umrah pilgrimages are complete, pending flight schedule approval

The head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation has announced that preparations for Umrah pilgrimages are underway, with officials hoping to begin departures in the second half of October.

The head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation has announced that the operational preparations for Umrah pilgrimages are complete, stating that with the finalisation of planning, accommodation and catering contracts, and other logistical matters, it is hoped that the process of sending pilgrims will begin in the second half of October.

Speaking at a meeting of the organisation's board of directors, Alireza Rashidian stated that various aspects of the Umrah operation, including accommodation and catering, are being addressed and that the necessary readiness for the departure of Iranian pilgrims has been established.

He explained that they are currently in the technical phase of finalising flight schedules for the Umrah pilgrimages. This technical matter is being pursued between the Islamic Republic of Iran Airlines and the Saudi Arabian civil aviation authorities, so that as soon as flight slots are secured from the host country, the process of announcing caravan registrations can proceed.

Highlighting the importance of religious pilgrimages in strengthening friendship and solidarity among Muslim nations, the head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation added that religious affairs are exempt from sanctions, including those imposed by the UN Security Council, and should not be affected by the restrictions of illegal US sanctions. He expressed hope that, with the cooperation of the relevant parties—much like the resolution of flight issues at Najaf airport in Iraq—Saudi Arabia will issue the necessary technical flight permits as soon as possible so that the Umrah pilgrimage programme can proceed without interruption.

Rashidian also emphasised that the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation is diligently pursuing the conditions required to begin these departures. He expressed hope that, through the efforts of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Saudi Ambassador to Iran, flight permits for Iranian Umrah pilgrims will be issued and announced promptly.