Starting March 10, bilateral passenger flights between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia, as well as the UAE, will commence. This information was announced by the press service of the Ministry of Transport, which sent notifications to both national and international airlines at the beginning of the week.
It is important to note 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, the restrictions on the type of passengers and their citizenship have now been lifted.
Airlines and airports have been instructed to take into account that the Umrah season is nearing its end, and all pilgrims must leave the kingdom before the start of the 2026 Hajj season in accordance with local laws.
In this regard, Uzbekistan Airports has been instructed to check for return tickets for passengers flying to Saudi Arabia. Lists of those without return tickets must be compiled daily and submitted to the headquarters of the "Uzaviasiya" agency.
Air carriers have also been reminded of the necessity to comply with the rules established by the Cabinet of Ministers' resolution No. 668 dated October 12, 2024, which regulates the organization of pilgrimage trips. The transportation of pilgrims can only be carried out through licensed tour operators that have the appropriate permits.
Contracts with tourists must clearly state that each passenger receives a separate round-trip ticket, regardless of which airlines are used for the flight.
During flights, passengers will be reminded that tour operators and travel agents are required to provide them with return tickets, hotel vouchers, transfers, meals, and copies of insurance policies.
It is also recommended that passengers maintain communication with their tour operators and arrive at the airport according to the time specified on their tickets for the return flight.
The "Uzaviasiya" agency has been tasked with monitoring data on passengers departing from Saudi Arabia without return tickets and, if necessary, passing information to the Committee for Religious Affairs, the Committee for Tourism, and the Prosecutor's Office. In the analysis process, it should be taken into account that tickets may be purchased from different carriers.
The Ministry of Transport has reported its intention to regularly monitor the situation in the region and provide additional recommendations in cooperation with the government if necessary.
As of the morning of March 10, 25,047 citizens returned to Uzbekistan following the outbreak of military actions by the USA and Israel against Iran.
Since February 28, when hostilities began, the airspace has been closed over Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, and Israel.
