INA–Baghdad
Iraqi Airways announced on Saturday that the first return flights for pilgrims will depart next Monday.
The airline's director general, Munaf Abdul-Munim Ajil, stated in a press release received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Under the direct guidance and supervision of the minister of transport, Wahab Al-Hassani, Iraqi Airways is preparing to launch its operational plan for return flights to bring pilgrims back to Iraq. The first flight is scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2026."
"The flights will operate from Medina, Jeddah, and Taif airports to all domestic airports. While all necessary preparations have been completed, wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 777s, Airbus A330s, and Boeing 787 Dreamliners, as well as Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s, have been allocated to ensure the smooth return of the pilgrims and enhance air transport efficiency during the peak return season," Ajil explained.
"The total number of pilgrims who will be returned by air on board the national carrier will be approximately 23,000 pilgrims, and the highest levels of coordination have been adopted with the Hajj and Umrah Authority and the Iraqi and Saudi authorities, in addition to various supporting institutions, to ensure the success of the reverse pilgrimage plan and to secure the return of the pilgrims smoothly and safely," Ajil added.
