The head of the Hajj and Umrah Affairs Authority, Judge Muhammad Al-Makkawi, issued a decision confirming the continued ban on land transportation for Hajj and Umrah campaigns, and restricting the travel of pilgrims and Umrah performers by air through Beirut Airport. The decision stipulates that “air transportation through Beirut Airport is the obligatory approved route for transporting pilgrims and Umrah pilgrims,” prohibiting any company or entity from organizing campaigns or publishing advertisements for Hajj and Umrah trips by land through social media or the media, under penalty of taking appropriate legal measures. The decision also requested that the security services be informed of its content, and that it be implemented immediately upon its issuance. The Hajj and Umrah Affairs Authority in Lebanon explained that the decision comes within the framework of verifying the legality of land trips, ensuring the safety of pilgrims, protecting their interests, and preserving their rights. She pointed out that Lebanon does not have a common land border with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which restricts the work of Lebanese companies in this field, pointing out that the transporters of Lebanese pilgrims to the Kingdom are from non-Lebanese companies, which requires the establishment of controls that guarantee the rights and safety of pilgrims. The Commission stated that the decision also comes in light of a painful incident that occurred previously that led to the death of Lebanese pilgrims and the injury of others, noting the continued evasion of responsibility in Lebanon and abroad, due to “the loss of responsibilities and the multiplicity of violations.” She stressed that the measure aims to organize Umrah trips by land and address the state of chaos that has prevailed in the sector recently, and not to deprive Umrah pilgrims of these trips, stressing that the goal is to continue them within legal frameworks and an integrated organization that guarantees their rights and safety.