Hajj Pilgrimage Sees Increased Numbers Amidst West Asian Tensions

Despite ongoing tensions in West Asia following airstrikes on Iran, the number of pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia for Hajj has surpassed last year's figures, with over 1.5 million pilgrims expected. Although recent conflicts caused air traffic disruptions and increased travel costs, major Gulf airports are working to restore operations. The influx of pilgrims continues ahead of the formal Hajj rituals.