EASA Tells Airlines to Avoid Iraqi and Iranian Airspace Until August 31
EASA has warned airlines to avoid Iraqi and Iranian airspace until 31 August 2026, a measure that may lengthen and reroute flights for Umrah pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.
Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 9 Nov 2026, 9:32 AM (Saudi time)
EASA has warned airlines to avoid Iraqi and Iranian airspace until 31 August 2026, a measure that may lengthen and reroute flights for Umrah pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.
The official 1448 AH Hajj calendar sets out the season's key dates, with electronic wallet transfers via Nusuk Masar from 15 July, package contracting from 29 July, and Hajj visa issuance beginning in late January 2027.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs has expanded multilingual religious guidance in the prayer rooms of hotels around the Grand Mosque for the 1448 AH Umrah season, pairing scholarly lessons with digital screens.
Pakistan's federal cabinet has approved its first four-year Hajj Policy for 2027 to 2030, replacing annual sign-ups with a one-time registration system, a Shariah-compliant savings scheme and a fully digitized process.
For the 1448 AH season, Saudi Arabia has cut Umrah entry visa validity to 30 days, made confirmed Nusuk bookings a condition of visa approval, and made all visa types eligible to perform Umrah.
A senior Indonesian lawmaker has warned that 2027 Hajj costs could rise due to higher taxes and prices in Saudi Arabia, as parliament reviews the budget to contain airfares and other expenses.
Rijiju attends Hajj Conference in Saudi Arabia, stresses pilgrims' welfare ET Government
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Seal 1448 Hajj Deal News of Bahrain
Makkah Deputy Emir inaugurates Hajj Conference and Exhibition Saudi Gazette
Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia finalize Hajj quota for 2027 Qazinform
Is it safe to go for Umrah right now? Umrah is open, but US and UK warnings cover Mecca and Medina Nacionale
Flyadeal showcases its role in supporting Hajj pilgrim travel experiences at Hajj Conference & Exhibition 2026 Zawya