One of the Iraqi Airways Boeing aeroplanes
Though May 28
Iraq to begin Hajj flights May 8 with five daily departures
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Transport announced Sunday that the first round of Hajj flights will begin May 8, with five daily flights scheduled through May 28 to carry pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia.
“The Ministry of Transport announces the completion of preparations for airlifting Iraqi pilgrims and sets May 8 as the date for the first flight,” the ministry said in a statement.
The operation, carried out under the directives of Transport Minister Razzaq Muhaibas Al-Saadawi, will be managed by Iraqi Airways, which will operate all flights throughout the month.
The Supreme Hajj and Umrah Committee is overseeing pilgrim coordination, while the Ministry of Transport is handling flight logistics through the national carrier.
Minister Al-Saadawi called for “full adherence to the approved operational plan to ensure the best services for the pilgrims,” and urged high coordination between technical, administrative, and partner institutions to ensure smooth departures and landings.
Manaf Abdul-Munem Ajeel, director general of Iraqi Airways, said the airline will deploy its most modern wide-body aircraft for the pilgrimage, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 737, and Airbus A330. “The aircraft are equipped to the highest international standards and will be staffed with specialized crews and hospitality services to ensure the comfort and safety of our respected pilgrims,” he said.
Saudi Arabia assigns Hajj quotas annually based on each country’s Muslim population, typically allowing 1,000 pilgrims per million Muslims. Quotas are adjusted each year to account for health or political factors. Iraq’s recent Hajj quota has ranged between 34,000 and 40,000, with allocations distributed across governorates, including the Kurdistan Region.
