Starting March 10, bilateral passenger flights from Uzbekistan to Saudi Arabia and the UAE will resume. The press service of the Ministry of Transport announced this by sending a corresponding notification to airlines. It is worth noting that on March 2, a message was posted in the aeronautical information system (NOTAM) prohibiting the transportation of citizens of Uzbekistan and neighboring countries to Saudi Arabia until March 18. However, according to a recent letter from the Ministry of Transport, the restrictions regarding passenger citizenship have been lifted.
Airlines and airports have been instructed to take into account that the Umrah season is coming to an end, and all pilgrims must leave Saudi Arabia before the start of the Hajj-2026 season, as prescribed by the legislation of the kingdom.
In this regard, Uzbekistan Airports will check for return tickets for passengers flying to Saudi Arabia. Lists of passengers without return tickets must be formed daily and sent to the headquarters of the agency "Uzaviasiya".
Additionally, airlines were reminded that the transportation of pilgrims performing Umrah is carried out in accordance with the Cabinet of Ministers' resolution No. 668 dated October 12, 2024, which regulates the organization of pilgrimage trips.
According to established requirements, the transportation of such passengers is only allowed through licensed tour operators that have permission from the Committee for Religious Affairs.
Contracts with travel agents for the transportation of pilgrims must specify that each passenger must be provided with a separate round-trip airline ticket, regardless of which airlines operate the flights.
Furthermore, during flights, passengers should receive reminders through the notification system that tour operators are required to provide tickets for round-trip flights, accommodation vouchers, transfers, meals, and copies of insurance policies.
Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their tour operators and arrive at the airport at the specified time for their return flight.
The agency "Uzaviasiya" has been tasked with analyzing data on passengers departing from Saudi Arabia without return tickets and sending information to the Committee for Religious Affairs, the Committee for Tourism, and the prosecutor's office if necessary. It is important to note that tickets for outbound and return flights may be issued by different airlines.
The Ministry of Transport will continuously monitor the situation in the region and provide additional instructions in cooperation with the government if necessary.
As of March 10, 25,047 citizens have returned to Uzbekistan following the onset of military actions by the USA and Israel against Iran.
Since February 28, when the conflict began, airspace has remained closed over Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, and Israel.
