Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 11 Nov 2026, 10:04 AM (Saudi time)
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the main air gateway for pilgrims, served about 28.55 million passengers in the first seven months of 2026, officials said during a performance review.
Saudi authorities have launched a suite of online services for the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, letting visitors check crowd levels, view interactive maps and plan their visit before they arrive.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has opened a series of early preparatory meetings with Hajj affairs offices from more than 75 countries ahead of the 1448 AH (2027) season.
The Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah has reviewed the current Umrah season and stressed the highest levels of readiness for the 1448 AH Hajj, calling for stronger integration between agencies.
Saudi Arabia's rail network carried more than 83 million passengers in the first half of 2026, up 16 percent, with the Haramain High-Speed Railway moving millions between Makkah and Madinah.
Official GASTAT data shows more than 15.2 million people performed Umrah in the first quarter of 2026, with domestic pilgrims making up nearly two-thirds and international arrivals travelling mostly by air.
India opens additional control room in Makkah to assist Umrah pilgrims amid flight disruptions Free Press Kashmir
India Opens Additional Makkah Control Room as Saudi Flight Disruptions Hit Umrah Pilgrims Open Magazine
Flights still operating, but Umrah enquiries dip: How Riyadh attacks are affecting pilgrim travel Gulf Business
India opens additional Makkah control room as Saudi flight disruptions hit Umrah pilgrims ANI News
India Opens Makkah Control Room for Stranded Umrah Pilgrims Kashmir Observer
India Sets Up Additional Control Room in Makkah to Assist Umrah Pilgrims Amid Flight Disruptions Kashmir Life