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.
31,283 Bangladeshi pilgrims reach Saudi Arabia Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)
UAE urges Hajj 2026 pilgrims to get vaccines 10 days before travel Gulf News
Makkah And Madinah Welcome The First International Hajj Flights From Türkiye lovin.co
Flynas Deploys 6 Airbus Aircraft For 2026 Hajj Operations LEADERSHIP Newspapers
Turkish Hajj Pilgrims Arrive In Makkah And Saudi’s April Rain Is Breaking Records lovin.co
20 quick facts to know about Hajj 2026 The Nation Newspaper