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1.5 Million Pilgrims Arrive for Hajj as Airlines Restore Flights

5/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims—1,518,153 according to Hajj Passport Forces commander Saleh Al-Murabba—have arrived for the Hajj, despite Middle-East hostilities.
U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February prompted Tehran to order attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf targets, causing air-traffic disruptions.
Airlines from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain have restored much of their capacity as pilgrims arrive before the Hajj begins on Monday.

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Story summary

More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims—1,518,153 according to Hajj Passport Forces commander Saleh Al-Murabba—have arrived for the Hajj, despite Middle-East hostilities.
U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February prompted Tehran to order attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf targets, causing air-traffic disruptions.
Airlines from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain have restored much of their capacity as pilgrims arrive before the Hajj begins on Monday.