Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 15 Jun 2026, 7:10 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.
The number of World Hajj Pilgrims 2026 exceeds the 2025 figure despite the threat of war VOI.id
APTOPIX Saudi Arabia Hajj Bluefield Daily Telegraph
TIMELINE - Hajj pilgrims near 2M as Saudi Arabia prepares for 2026 season Anadolu Ajansı
Edo Pilgrims Begin Umrah Journey, Depart Madinah for Makkah The Nigerian Observer
More than 1.5 million pilgrims brave fierce Mecca heat ahead of Hajj Al Jazeera
More than 1.5 million pilgrims brave fierce Mecca heat ahead of Hajj.