Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 7 May 2026, 1:02 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.
Ogun pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia The Guardian Nigeria News
Kayode Akinmade: Gateway International Airport officially goes global with historic Hajj flight Daily Post Nigeria
Hajj 2026: Digital IDs ease travel in Saudi, 10-year re-entry ban for violators Gulf Business
Hajj 2026 Last-Minute Checklist: What to Do in Your Final 3 Weeks Wego Travel Blog
Baggage coding technologies drive the Makkah Route Initiative towards a smoother Hajj journey صوت الإمارات
Ogun pilgrims arrive Saudi Arabia as Gateway Airport begins Hajj operations Vanguard News