Officials from Iran and Saudi Arabia have begun negotiations on further expansion of the flight network, Mohammad Mohammadi Bakhsh said.
Presently, Hajj flights between Iran and Saudi Arabia are running from 21 cities but talks are underway between the two sides for the restoration of flights after the Hajj season as well, he said.
The deputy roads minister went on to say that he has invited his Saudi counterpart to visit Iran with the aim of restoration of flights and also the developing of the flight network.
Launch of Mashhad-Jeddah and Mashhad-Medina flights are among the demands of pilgrims from the two countries and it has been put atop the agenda, he said, adding that talks will start between officials of the two sides after the end of Hajj rituals in the current year.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the CAO have been tasked with planning to launch direct flights between Mashhad and Jeddah and Mashhad and Medina, the CAO chief added.