The Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan announced that from March 10, permission has been granted for bilateral passenger flights to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This decision cancels a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued earlier on March 2, which had banned the transport of citizens from Uzbekistan and neighboring countries to Saudi Arabia until March 18. The ministry's letter emphasized that all restrictions based on passenger type and citizenship have been lifted.
However, the new permission comes with a series of stringent conditions. Airlines and airports have been instructed to consider the ongoing conclusion of the Umrah season and that, according to Saudi Arabian legislation, all pilgrims must leave the country before the start of the Hajj-2026 season. Consequently, Uzbekistan Airports has been tasked with verifying that all passengers departing for Saudi Arabia possess return flight tickets. A list of passengers without return tickets must be compiled daily and sent to the headquarters of the "Uzaviation" agency.
The transportation of Umrah pilgrims must be carried out in accordance with Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 668 dated October 12, 2024, which stipulates that only tour operators licensed by the Committee for Religious Affairs are permitted to handle such passengers. Contracts with tour operators must specify that each passenger is provided with separate tickets for departure and return, and during flights, passengers must be presented with copies of all documents, including tickets, hotel vouchers, transfers, meals, and insurance policies. Passengers are advised to maintain contact with their tour operators and arrive at the airport on time for their return flights.
The "Uzaviation" agency has been assigned to analyze information on passengers arriving from Saudi Arabia without return tickets and, if necessary, forward the data to the Committee for Religious Affairs, the Tourism Committee, and prosecutor's offices. The Ministry of Transport stated that it will continuously monitor the regional situation and issue additional instructions in coordination with the government as needed. Since the war began on February 28, airspace over Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, and Israel remains closed, highlighting ongoing regional instability and its impact on travel logistics.
Source: www.gazeta.uz