Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Jun 2026, 6:51 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.
Unified Security Operations Center 911 in Makkah Region Serves as Vital Support for Pilgrims وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Journey to Mecca: Scenes from the annual hajj pilgrimage MSN
NAHCON commends stakeholders for hitch-free 2026 hajj operations Peoples Gazette Nigeria
Journey to Mecca: Millions gather for annual hajj pilgrimage Reuters
Muslim pilgrims gather outside Nimrah Mosque at the Plain of Arafat, outside the holy city of Mecca Reuters
Journey to Mecca: Millions gather for annual hajj pilgrimage Reuters