JEDDAH: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has officially launched its Hajj 2026 operations, receiving the first group of pilgrims as part of a large-scale logistical and aviation plan designed to accommodate over one million seats for this year’s pilgrimage season.
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The inaugural flight, SV5807, arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah from Dhaka, Bangladesh, carrying 376 pilgrims. The arrival was marked by a formal reception attended by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser and Saudia Group Director General Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, alongside senior officials overseeing the Hajj operations ecosystem.
The launch signals the start of a 75-day operational phase covering both inbound and outbound pilgrim movement, with Saudia coordinating closely with relevant government and aviation authorities to ensure smooth travel, security, and service delivery for millions of worshippers.
For the 2026 Hajj season, Saudia has allocated more than one million seats across its domestic and international network, supported by a dedicated fleet of 160 aircraft. The airline will operate flights connecting 145 global destinations, reinforcing its role as one of the primary carriers serving the annual pilgrimage.
Officials said the operation is backed by a fully integrated logistical framework involving aviation, ground handling, immigration coordination, and hospitality services. A specialized workforce has been deployed to manage round-the-clock operations throughout the season.
Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, emphasized that facilitating Hajj travel remains a national priority aligned with Saudi Arabia’s broader development strategy.
“Serving pilgrims is a national priority, and Saudia plays an integral role within a broader ecosystem dedicated to this mission,” he said, adding that the initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to improve religious tourism infrastructure and expand capacity for pilgrims and Umrah performers.
The airline also highlighted several passenger-focused services designed to improve the pilgrimage experience. These include early issuance of boarding passes at departure points, additional flights to Madinah, and streamlined baggage handling systems. Through the “Makkah Route” initiative alone, Saudia expects to serve more than 179,000 pilgrims, while its “Luggage First” service will manage hundreds of thousands of bags and Zamzam water bottles.
Onboard services have also been tailored for pilgrims, including Miqat announcements before entering sacred boundaries, Talbiyah recitations, and dedicated educational programming on Hajj rituals. Special meal services are also being provided to accommodate diverse passenger needs during the journey.
Authorities say the large-scale operation reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in expanding pilgrimage capacity, improving efficiency, and ensuring a smoother experience for millions of Muslims traveling to the holy sites each year.
