Storyline: For the first time in a decade, Saudi Arabian budget airline Flynas has resumed direct flights for Hajj pilgrims from Iran this year, marking another step in warming relations between the two former rivals. The air routes from Tehran and Mashhad to Jeddah have made the journey to Mecca more convenient for around 35,000 Iranian pilgrims, the highest number since China mediated a 2023 diplomatic thaw between the two following 7 years of frozen ties. The resumption of hajj flights has raised hopes of more frequent and regular direct air links between the two nations. Shotlist: Tehran, Iran - May 18, 2025: 1. Various of water salute at airport 2. Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Iran Abdullah Alanazi and Iranian officials receiving first Flynas flight 3. Flynas plane Tehran, Iran - June 4, 2025: 4. Pilgrims at check-in counter 5. Screen showing flight information for flight to Jeddah 6. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Fatemeh, Hajj pilgrim (no full name given): "Understanding and peace between the two countries can definitely provide a better mental atmosphere for the Iranian pilgrims." 7. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Moein Tayefeh, head of airport: "Another Saudi airline has recently visited our facilities and they said they were willing to run daily direct flights even out of Hajj season from Tehran to Saudi Arabia." 8. Various of pilgrims at check-in counter 9. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Hassan, Hajj pilgrim (no full name given): "Better ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia will have positive and constructive consequences, in particular the relations between the two nations. When we go there for Hajj, they welcome the pilgrims. It means a lot to us when we are flying with a Saudi flight." 10. Various of pilgrims at airport, screen 11. Plane. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya/Persian language TV Stations outside Iran. Strictly No Access BBC Persian/VOA Persian/Manoto TV/Iran International TV]