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.
First batches of pilgrims land in Madinah and Jeddah as international arrivals commence for Hajj 2026 Saudi Gazette
First batches of pilgrims land in Madinah and Jeddah as international arrivals commence for Hajj 2026 Saudi Gazette
5,613 Hajj pilgrims depart for Saudi Arabia Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)
Saudia launches first Hajj flight from Dhaka, Makkah Route eases travel for pilgrims The Business Standard
Pakistan launches Hajj flights as Lahore sends first ‘Makkah Route’ pilgrims to Saudi Arabia Arab News
Lower section of Kaaba’s Kiswa raised in preparation for Hajj 2026 Saudi Gazette