Saudi Arabia rejects Iran pilgrims’ use of Taif airport

Saudi Arabia declined to allow Iranian pilgrims to return via Taif Airport, despite its proximity to Mecca, which could have reduced part of their overland journey.

While Taif Airport is closer to Mecca and could have shortened part of the pilgrims' land route, Saudi Arabia did not agree to Iran using that airport this year, Iranian Haj pilgrims have told local media, News.Az reports, citing Mehr news.

Accordingly, the return flights for the pilgrims will be carried out entirely from Jeddah Airport, and an average of 12 flights of pilgrims will be carried out to the country daily. However, due to the dispatch of the last groups of pilgrims in the days leading up to the Hajj, only one flight will leave Medina for Tehran on the last day of the pilgrims' return (June 14).

A commentator with the knowledge of the Hajj pilgrims affairs, has told local Iranian media that Saudi officials did not agree to the Taif airport for return flight of Iranian pilgrims, perhaps becuase Taif is close to military centers in Saudi Arabia.

News.Az 

By Ulviyya Salmanli