Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 4 May 2026, 5:35 PM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia restricted entry to Makkah from 13 April 2026 to Hajj permit holders only and suspended Umrah permits from 18 April to 31 May 2026 as the Kingdom prepares for the Hajj pilgrimage beginning around 25 May.
Saudia has launched Hajj 2026 operations with 160 aircraft and over one million seats spanning 145 global destinations, as part of Saudi Arabia's total air transport plan of 3.1 million seats across 12,000 flights.
Saudi Arabia has imposed fines of up to SAR 100,000 for facilitating unauthorised Hajj and up to SAR 20,000 for pilgrims performing Hajj without a permit, alongside 10-year re-entry bans for violators.
Hajj 2026 pilgrims praise world-class lodging, catering, transport and digital facilities | Associated Press Of Pakistan
2026 Hajj: Bauchi, Plateau To Begin Airlift Of Pilgrims May 5, 7 LEADERSHIP Newspapers
Visit visas do not permit Hajj, S/Arabia warns illegal pilgrims Daily Trust
India Joins Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Jordan and Egypt as Hajj Airfare Climbs Big Amid West Asia Tensions in 2026 : Here’s the Latest New Update Before Booking Travel And Tour World
As airlifting of pilgrims for Hajj 2026 begins The Guardian Nigeria News
One citizens and two residents arrested for violating Hajj regulations Saudi Gazette