✈️   1447 AH · Updated March 2026

Hajj 2026 Flight Schedule
Complete Pilgrim’s Travel Guide

Official travel windows, airport guides, top airlines, booking timelines & infographics — everything you need to plan your sacred journey to Makkah.

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ
13 May
First Flights
21 May
Last Arrivals
31 May+
Departures Open
2
Hajj Airports
2M+
Pilgrims Expected
⚠️
Important: All flight dates and schedules are based on the Umm Al-Qura astronomical calendar for 1447 AH and are subject to official Saudi moon-sighting confirmation. Always verify current schedules with hajj.nusuk.sa and your licensed Hajj operator. Regular tourist/visitor visas cannot be used during Hajj season.
Overview

Understanding the Hajj 2026 Flight Schedule

Planning your Hajj 2026 flights is one of the most critical logistical steps of the pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia operates a tightly regulated Hajj air transport season — a defined window during which international pilgrims are permitted to enter the Kingdom with a valid Hajj permit. Outside these windows, Hajj visas are not processed and entry is not granted.

In 2026 (1447 AH), Hajj is estimated to fall from 25–29 May, meaning the inbound flight window opens approximately 12 days earlier on 13 May, with the final permitted international entry on 21 May 2026 (4 Dhul-Hijjah). Return flights begin departing from 31 May 2026 (14 Dhul-Hijjah) and continue through to mid-June.

Whether you are flying from Pakistan, the UK, Malaysia, the US, or any of the 185+ countries sending pilgrims, understanding the official travel calendar, the two main Hajj airports, and the process of booking your flights through an approved operator is essential. This guide covers everything — with infographics, checklists, and authoritative links.

Infographic

Hajj 2026 Flight Calendar — May / June 1447 AH

Visual overview of the official travel windows, Hajj days, and departure period for the 2026 pilgrimage season.

Hajj 2026 · Flight Calendar · 1447 AH MAY – JUNE 2026 · APPROXIMATE DATES MAY 2026 JUNE 2026 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 ✈️ ARRIVAL WINDOW May 13 → 21 (until 4 Dhul-Hijjah) Pre-Hajj Prep 🕋 HAJJ DAYS May 25–29 8–12 Dhul-Hijjah ✈️ DEPARTURE WINDOW May 31 → June 15 (14 Dhul-Hijjah onwards) ⭐ Day of Arafah Tue 26 May 🎉 Eid al-Adha Wed 27 May 🕋 Tawaf Wada from 31 May ⚠️ Last Arrival 21 May 2026 Arrival Window Hajj Days (No New Arrivals) Departure Window Restricted / Pre-Hajj Dates are estimates based on Umm Al-Qura calendar · Subject to official Saudi moon-sighting · duaforall.com/hajj-2026-flight-schedule/
Travel Windows

Official Hajj 2026 Travel Periods

Saudi Arabia strictly enforces four distinct travel phases. Your flights must fall within the correct window for your Hajj package type.

✈️
Phase 1 · Arrival
Pre-Hajj Arrivals
~13 May – 21 May 2026
The main inbound flight window. International pilgrims must arrive in Saudi Arabia by the final entry deadline of 21 May 2026 (4 Dhul-Hijjah). Earlier arrivals typically visit Madinah first. Most packages recommend arriving by 16–18 May to allow settling-in time before the Hajj rituals begin on 25 May.
🕋
Phase 2 · Hajj
Core Hajj Days
25 May – 29 May 2026
No new international arrivals permitted. Pilgrims are at the holy sites — Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Makkah — performing the essential rituals. All commercial Hajj flights to JED/MED are suspended or restricted during this window. See the Hajj 2026 rituals guide for full details on each day.
🛫
Phase 3 · Departures
Return Flights Begin
From ~31 May 2026 (14 Dhul-Hijjah)
Departures open from 31 May 2026 after pilgrims complete Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf). The majority of pilgrims depart between 31 May and 15 June. This is the busiest period at Jeddah and Madinah airports — expect queues and delays. Confirm your exact departure date with your operator weeks in advance.
🕌
Phase 4 · Optional
Madinah Ziyarat
Pre or Post Hajj (varies by package)
Many Hajj packages include a Ziyarat (visit) to Madinah, either before Hajj (arriving via MED airport) or after completing Hajj. A standard stay is 8 days. Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque ﷺ (Masjid an-Nabawi) is a deeply cherished sunnah act, though not a part of the obligatory Hajj rituals themselves.
Airports

Hajj 2026 Entry Airports — JED & MED

All Hajj pilgrims enter Saudi Arabia through one of two designated international airports. Understanding both is key to planning your journey.

JED ✈ King Abdulaziz Int’l Airport Jeddah, Saudi Arabia · IATA: JED · ICAO: OEJN Distance to Makkah ~85 km (≈90 min by bus) Hajj Terminal Dedicated · World’s Largest Annual Hajj Pilgrims ~1.5 million+ Serves Pilgrims From All Countries PRIMARY AIRPORT MED ✈ Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Madinah, Saudi Arabia · IATA: MED · ICAO: OEMA Distance to Masjid Nabawi ~15 km (≈20 min by bus) Best For Madinah-First Packages Distance to Makkah ~450 km (bus to Makkah) Route Type Ziyarat (Visit) + Hajj MADINAH GATEWAY
JED
King Abdulaziz International Airport
📍 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
IATA CodeJED
Hajj TerminalDedicated (World’s Largest)
Distance to Makkah~85 km · ~90 min
Transport to MakkahPackage bus / Haramain HSR
Primary UseAll international Hajj pilgrims
Websitekaia.sa/ ↗
✈ Primary Hajj Gateway

KAIA’s Hajj Terminal is the world’s largest aviation terminal, purpose-built for pilgrims. It processes millions of pilgrims each season with dedicated immigration, baggage, and busing to holy sites. Your Hajj operator will coordinate your ground transport from the airport.

MED
Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Int’l Airport
📍 Madinah, Saudi Arabia
IATA CodeMED
Terminal TypeInternational Terminal
Distance to Masjid Nabawi~15 km · ~20 min
Distance to Makkah~450 km · ~5 hrs by road
Best ForMadinah-first packages
TransportPackage bus to Makkah
🕌 Madinah Ziyarat Gateway

Pilgrims who fly into MED typically spend their first 8 days in Madinah visiting Masjid an-Nabawi ﷺ before travelling by coach to Makkah to begin Hajj. Some packages also route return flights through Madinah after Hajj for final Ziyarat.

Airlines

Major Airlines Operating Hajj 2026 Flights

These airlines operate scheduled and charter Hajj flights coordinated with national Hajj missions. Booking is done through your licensed operator, not directly with airlines in most countries.

🇸🇦
Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines)
SV · Riyadh HQ
✦ Global Hajj Routes
🇵🇰
Pakistan International Airlines
PK · PIA
✦ PK → JED / MED
🇦🇪
Emirates
EK · Dubai Hub
✦ Global via DXB
🇹🇷
Turkish Airlines
TK · Istanbul Hub
✦ Europe / Central Asia
🇮🇩
Garuda Indonesia
GA · Jakarta
✦ SE Asia → JED
🇧🇩
Biman Bangladesh Airlines
BG · Dhaka
✦ DAC → JED / MED
🇲🇾
Malaysia Airlines / AirAsia
MH / AK · Kuala Lumpur
✦ SE Asia → JED
🇮🇳
Air India / IndiGo
AI / 6E · Multiple Hubs
✦ India → JED / MED
🇪🇬
EgyptAir
MS · Cairo
✦ Africa / Middle East
🇬🇧
British Airways / Titan
BA / ZT · London
✦ UK Charter Hajj
🇸🇳
Air Senegal / Royal Air Maroc
HC / AT · West Africa
✦ Africa → JED
🇯🇴
Royal Jordanian
RJ · Amman
✦ Middle East → JED
💡
Booking Note: In most countries, Hajj flights are operated as charter services coordinated by your national Hajj Ministry or a licensed operator. You cannot book these independently through airline websites. All flight arrangements must go through your Nusuk-approved package. Check your country’s official Hajj mission for allocated seats and approved carriers. See the Saudi Ministry of Hajj for country-specific quota information.
Action Plan

Your Hajj 2026 Booking Timeline

Follow this step-by-step timeline to secure your Hajj flights and complete all preparations before the travel season opens.

Now → March 2026
Register on Nusuk Platform
Create your account at hajj.nusuk.sa with your passport details. Verify your eligibility — you must not have performed Hajj in the last 5 years (quota rules apply). Confirm your passport has 6+ months validity beyond your intended return date.
💡 Tip: Register immediately — early applicants get better package selection and hotel locations closer to Masjid al-Haram.
March – April 2026
Select & Pay for Your Package
Choose an approved Hajj package through Nusuk or your national Hajj Ministry. Packages include flights, accommodation, meals, and ground transport. Confirm which airport (JED or MED) your package uses and whether Madinah Ziyarat is included before or after Hajj.
💡 Tip: Packages with Madinah-first routing fly into MED; Makkah-first packages fly into JED. Ask your operator to clarify.
April 2026
Complete Health Requirements
Book your mandatory Meningococcal ACWY vaccination at least 10 days before travel. Arrange any additional recommended vaccines (flu, polio). Upload your vaccination certificates to your Nusuk profile. Consult your GP about any personal medical needs for the journey — see NHS Hajj Health Advice ↗.
April – May 2026
Receive E-Visa & Confirm Flights
Upon package payment, your Hajj e-visa will be processed through Nusuk. Print multiple copies and save digital backups. Confirm your exact flight numbers, departure times, and group meeting points with your operator. Download the Nusuk mobile app for real-time updates during the pilgrimage.
💡 Tip: Screenshot your e-visa — airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable. Share your itinerary with a family member who is not travelling.
May 13–21, 2026
Fly to Saudi Arabia ✈
Depart within your allocated flight window. Aim to arrive by 16–18 May if possible to allow time to settle before Hajj begins on 25 May. Most pilgrims enter Ihram at the Miqat during the flight (for those flying into Jeddah) or upon reaching the Miqat by road. See our complete Hajj 2026 rituals guide for how to enter Ihram.

📄 Flight Document Checklist

  • Valid passport (6+ months remaining from return date)
  • Nusuk Hajj e-visa — printed + digital copy
  • Meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate (original)
  • Flight confirmation & boarding pass (print + app)
  • Travel insurance certificate
  • Hajj package confirmation letter
  • Group leader’s contact details (written copy)
  • Emergency contacts list
  • Saudi Arabia entry health declaration (if required)

🎒 At the Airport — Tips

  • Arrive at your home airport 3+ hours before departure
  • Wear or pack your Ihram for easy access (men)
  • Check your airline’s baggage allowance — typically 23kg hold + 7kg cabin
  • Carry snacks & water for long queues at KAIA
  • Keep all documents in an accessible bag, not checked luggage
  • Note your group colour-coded wristband / ID card
  • Zamzam water (5L) is provided free at the airport on return — account for weight
FAQ

Hajj 2026 Flights — Frequently Asked Questions

When do Hajj 2026 flights start? +
Pre-Hajj flights begin approximately 13 May 2026, based on the Umm Al-Qura calendar for 1447 AH. The official Saudi arrival deadline for international pilgrims is 21 May 2026 (4 Dhul-Hijjah). Flights from your home country are coordinated by your national Hajj Ministry and licensed operators — confirm your specific departure date with them. These dates are subject to official Saudi moon-sighting confirmation.
Which airport do Hajj pilgrims fly into — JED or MED? +
The vast majority of international Hajj pilgrims fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, which has a dedicated world-class Hajj Terminal. Pilgrims whose package includes a Madinah Ziyarat first (before Hajj) may instead fly into Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED) in Madinah, then travel by road to Makkah. Your Hajj package details will specify which airport is used. In some cases, pilgrims arrive via MED and depart via JED, or vice versa.
Can I book my own flights for Hajj 2026 independently? +
No — you cannot simply book a commercial flight and enter Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Entry during the Hajj season requires a valid Hajj permit (Nusuk e-visa), which is only issued through approved Hajj packages. Saudi authorities will deny entry to anyone attempting to perform Hajj on a regular tourist, business, or visit visa. All flights must be arranged through your licensed Hajj operator, who coordinates with national Hajj missions and airlines on allocated seats and group manifests.
When do return flights from Hajj 2026 depart? +
The return flight departure window opens from approximately 31 May 2026 (14 Dhul-Hijjah), after pilgrims complete their Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada). The majority of pilgrims depart between 31 May and 20 June 2026. Jeddah and Madinah airports are extremely congested during this period — expect long wait times and delays. Always confirm your exact return flight details with your operator well in advance and keep your travel documents accessible at all times.
What happens if I miss my Hajj flight? +
Missing your allocated Hajj flight is a serious situation. Contact your Hajj operator immediately — they may be able to rebook you on an alternative charter flight within the arrival window (before 21 May). If you miss the cut-off date entirely, you will not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia on a Hajj visa after the deadline. This is why purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes Hajj-specific cover (cancellation, missed departure) is strongly recommended. Check policies from specialist Muslim travel insurers.
How far in advance should I book Hajj 2026 flights? +
Hajj package registrations typically open 6–12 months before Hajj season. Given the global demand and limited quotas (approximately 1,000 pilgrims per 1 million Muslim population in each country), spots fill up very quickly. For Hajj 2026, it is advisable to register on Nusuk and select a package as early as possible — ideally by March 2026 at the latest. Waiting list positions are common in many countries.
Do I enter Ihram on the plane or at the Miqat? +
Pilgrims flying directly into Jeddah (JED) must enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat, which occurs during the flight approximately 30–45 minutes before landing. Airlines operating Hajj flights will announce the approaching Miqat. Pilgrims flying into Madinah (MED) for Ziyarat first do not need to enter Ihram immediately — they will travel to the designated Miqat in Madinah (Dhul Hulayfah / Abyar Ali mosque) when ready to begin Hajj. For a complete guide on entering Ihram correctly, see our How to Perform Hajj & Umrah guide.
What is the Haramain High Speed Railway and can Hajj pilgrims use it? +
The Haramain High Speed Railway (HHR) connects Makkah, Jeddah (King Abdulaziz Station near KAIA), and Madinah, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours from Jeddah to Makkah and 2.5 hours from Madinah to Makkah. During Hajj season, access for pilgrims on the HHR is typically coordinated by the Saudi authorities through a permit system. Individual pilgrims generally cannot book independently — your Hajj operator will arrange ground transport. The railway is a significant infrastructure asset used to ease the congestion around the holy sites.
Official Resources

Authoritative External Resources

Always verify your Hajj flight information with these official and scholarly authorities.

🕋
Official · Saudi Arabia
Nusuk Hajj Platform — Official Registration & Visa
 🏛️
Official · Saudi Arabia
Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah
 ✈️
Official · Aviation
Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)
 🛬
Airport · Jeddah
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
 💊
Health · NHS UK
NHS Hajj Health Advice & Vaccinations
 📚
Scholarly · Fiqh
IslamQA — Hajj Rulings & Jurisprudence
 📖
Hadith Reference
Sunnah.com — Verify Hajj Ahadith
 🕌
Quran · Chapter 22
Surah Al-Hajj — Quran.com with Translations
وَأَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ

“Complete the Hajj and Umrah for the sake of Allah.”

— Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196

May Allah grant you the blessed opportunity to answer the call of Hajj in 1447 AH. Begin your preparation today.

🕋 Full Hajj 2026 Guide Register on Nusuk ↗ Learn the Rituals

Last updated: March 2026 · Content for general informational purposes only · All Hajj 2026 flight dates are approximate estimates based on the Umm Al-Qura calendar and are subject to official Saudi moon-sighting confirmation. Always verify with hajj.nusuk.sa and your licensed Hajj operator.  |  About DuaForAll  |  Hajj 2026 Guide