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.
Saudi Arabia begins welcoming pilgrims ahead of Hajj season Khaleej Times
Saudi Arabia Reinforces ‘No Hajj Without Permit’ Policy Ahead of Pilgrimage News of Bahrain
Hajj 2026 Operation Starts from Karachi airport Breaking Independent News Pakistan
3.1 million seats, 12,000 flights: Saudi Arabia's transport plan for Hajj pilgrims Gulf News
Afghanistan to airlift 30,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 96 flights for Hajj 2026 Ariana News
Afghanistan to airlift 30,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 96 flights for Hajj 2026 Ariana News