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.
Pakistan rolls out Hajj flights with enhanced facilities Gulf News
Pilgrims Begin Arriving in Saudi Arabia for Hajj خبرگزاری بین المللی قرآن
First Hajj flight departs Islamabad under Road to Makkah project The Nation (Pakistan )
Hajj 2026: Kaaba works finished, first pilgrim flights land in Jeddah Gulf News
Saudi Arabia Strengthens Religious Tourism Links With Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Nigeria Through Large-Scale Hajj Air Operations—Key Travel Insights for Pilgrims Worldwide Travel And Tour World
Hajj pilgrims receive warm welcome on arrival at Madinah Greater Kashmir