More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from abroad for this year’s Hajj, surpassing last year’s international attendance despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Officials said 1,518,153 pilgrims had entered the kingdom as of Friday, with more expected before the formal rituals begin on Monday.

The surge comes after a wave of regional violence triggered by strikes from the United States and Israel on Iran in late February. Iran responded with attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf, disrupting air travel and driving up transportation costs.

Airlines in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain have since restored much of their operations following weeks of airspace closures and flight cancellations. Despite the instability and logistical challenges, pilgrims have continued to travel in large numbers to fulfill the religious obligation of Hajj, which must be performed at least once by Muslims who are able to do so.