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.
Saudi Arabia deploys drones, AI to enhance security during 2026 Hajj pilgrimage Middle East Monitor
Kaduna pilgrims head to Makkah, complete Madina rituals Blueprint Newspapers
Hajj 2026: 77,432 Bangladeshi pilgrims reach Saudi Arabia Somoy News
Hajj 2026: National Assembly applauds NAHCON as outbound airlift of pilgrims ends The Guardian Nigeria News
Saudi weather authority forecasts hot conditions on Hajj routes to Makkah MSN
ISB airport new record: 45,000 pilgrims depart in pre-hajj 2026 operation | Associated Press Of Pakistan