Despite the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to air travel, the flow of Hajj pilgrims from around the world to Saudi Arabia continues at a rapid pace. According to Saudi officials, more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia so far, while this number is expected to increase further in the next two days.
Saleh Al-Murabba, commander of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Passport Forces, said during a press conference that the number of pilgrims arriving from abroad has reached 1.518 million. He said that the regular Hajj rituals will begin on Monday, in view of which more flights are arriving in Saudi Arabia from different countries of the world.
This year’s Hajj season is starting at a time when geopolitical tensions persist in the region. The situation in the region had become tense after the US and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February, which increased security concerns in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries. After the attacks by Iran on various locations, the airspace remained affected for several weeks, and several flights were cancelled or delayed.
Major airlines in the Gulf countries, especially those in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, have taken emergency measures to improve the situation. According to officials, air operations have been restored in phases so that pilgrims can reach Saudi Arabia on time.
According to experts, this year there has also been a significant increase in air ticket prices, but despite this, millions of Muslims are heading to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj. Additional arrangements have been made for Hajj flights in several countries, while Saudi authorities have claimed to provide special facilities in the areas of airports, transport and accommodation.
A total of 1.673 million people performed the Hajj last year, including 1.566 million foreign pilgrims. Initial figures this year appear to be better than last year, which suggests that millions of people will perform the Hajj this time too.
The Saudi government has made special plans for security, medical facilities and crowd management during the Hajj season. Additional security personnel have been deployed at Masjid al-Haram, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, while special health centres have been set up in view of the intense heat.