image sourced from original article at More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the upcoming hajj, surpassing last year's number of international visitors despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The surge in attendance comes as regional tensions have disrupted air travel and increased transportation costs.
The war, triggered by United States and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, led Tehran to launch attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf. The escalation caused widespread airspace closures, flight cancellations, and significant travel disruptions.
Major Gulf airlines have since worked to restore operations after weeks of reduced capacity. Saudi officials confirmed that 1,518,153 pilgrims from abroad have entered the kingdom, underscoring the resilience of the annual pilgrimage despite regional instability.
