Saudi Arabia Launches Massive Evacuation of Iranian Pilgrims

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Madinah — Saudi Arabia has initiated a comprehensive evacuation plan to safely repatriate thousands of Iranian pilgrims stranded due to suspended air travel following escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.

Acting on the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, authorities began transferring pilgrims from Madinah to Arar Airport, located near the Iraqi border, as part of a joint air-land strategy. From there, the pilgrims are continuing their journey overland into Iraq.

The evacuation began Sunday as the first group of Iranian pilgrims departed Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport aboard Saudi Airlines, headed for Arar. Buses are transporting pilgrims from Arar through Jadidat Arar border crossing into Iraq, where they will briefly visit religious sites in Najaf and Karbala before proceeding to Iran by land.

Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization confirmed the operation, stating that repatriation officially commenced on June 15, facilitated by direct cooperation with Saudi authorities.

With approximately 77,000 Iranian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has deployed a phased evacuation schedule. Around 3,000 pilgrims are being transported daily via multiple flights to Arar, each carrying up to 350 people. The effort is expected to continue over the coming weeks.

The temporary halt of direct Saudi-Iran flights due to regional hostilities prompted this alternate route, designed to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims.

The Saudi government emphasized its commitment to protecting and serving all pilgrims, regardless of nationality. This operation reflects the Kingdom’s humanitarian leadership and the strategic preparedness of its ministries during crisis scenarios.

Authorities have also confirmed that Aryan Aviation operations—involved in regional Hajj services—will be monitored closely under current security protocols.

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