Planning for Hajj 1406 continues as officials push for Umrah flight approvals
The head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation has confirmed that preparations for the 1406 Hajj are underway, while negotiations regarding flight logistics for Umrah remain ongoing.
The head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation has emphasised the commitment to ensuring pilgrimage travel is conducted to a high standard, announcing the continuation of planning for the 1406 Hajj, the finalisation of operational preparations for Umrah, and ongoing negotiations to resolve flight arrangements. During a meeting of the organisation’s board of directors, Ali Reza Rashidian paid tribute to the staff of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Medical Centre and the nurses who serve pilgrims during Hajj, Umrah, Atabat, and Arbaeen operations.
Addressing the impact of sanctions and external threats, Rashidian stated that every effort is being made to ensure that pilgrimage travel is carried out in a manner befitting Iranian pilgrims. Regarding the resumption of flights to Najaf following a brief suspension, he noted that efforts are continuing to secure approval for flights carrying Iranian Umrah pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and to obtain permits for flights to Medina.
He also highlighted the challenges of securing foreign currency for Hajj, Umrah, and Atabat under the current climate of illegal sanctions and maritime blockades, stressing the necessity of implementing measures to reduce both foreign currency and rial costs. Furthermore, Rashidian called for the development of an indigenous artificial intelligence-based smart assistant to improve administrative efficiency, as well as the formation of a specialised scientific council for technology.
Akbar Rezaei, Deputy for Hajj and Umrah, outlined the latest actions regarding the 1406 Hajj, noting that specialist committee meetings have been held and necessary systems are prepared. He stated that the final registration process for caravans will be announced once pricing is confirmed. He added that there has been a strong response from Iranians living abroad, with 369 individuals already registered on the designated website, following coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Flight schedules for the 1406 Hajj have been prepared by the operating company and submitted to the Saudi authorities, with a delegation led by the head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organisation expected to travel to Saudi Arabia soon for further negotiations and the signing of a memorandum of understanding.
Regarding Umrah, Rezaei explained that due to new Saudi flight regulations, a proposal has been submitted to allow pilgrims to enter and exit via Medina, with flight schedules adjusted accordingly; however, a final response is still pending. Mohammad Javad Daneshyar, head of Umrah Saadat, reported on his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, confirming that contracts with service providers for Iranian pilgrims have been signed. While the visa issuance process is ready, technical negotiations regarding flight arrangements remain the primary hurdle for commencing Umrah operations. Dr Ali Akbar Jangjou, Deputy of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Medical Centre, also provided a report on health protocols and software systems for accommodation, catering, and logistics for the upcoming Hajj.