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.
Over 14,500 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims arrive in Madinah via 60 flights Arab News
Saudia offers more than 1m Hajj seats and plans $27m investment in Makkah, Madinah Arabian Business
Over 14,500 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims arrive in Madinah via 60 flights Arab News
TGA deploys inspection teams in 20 locations in Makkah and Madinah around the clock ahead of Hajj season Saudi Gazette
Pakistani Hajj pilgrims praise ‘remarkably smooth’ Makkah Route Initiative immigration process Arab News
Pilgrims begin arriving in Madinah as Pakistan launches Hajj flights operation Arab News