The national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has entered into a “new era” in Hajj travel. With a bold and visionary approach, the airline is transforming the pilgrimage experience for 2025 and beyond — not only as a carrier but as a complete service partner for pilgrims worldwide.
This year, Saudia takes a historic leap forward. For the first time, it expands beyond air operations to play a central role in delivering a comprehensive Hajj experience. From dedicated flight operations to ground services and hospitality, Saudia is bringing innovation, care, and scale to one of the world’s most important journeys.
In preparation for the 2025 Hajj season, Saudia is allocating over one million seats utilizing a modern fleet of 158 aircraft. With a projected market share of up to 35%, the airline will serve pilgrims from over 100 global destinations. The end-to-end travel experience is designed to maximize comfort and efficiency, from ticket issuance to streamlined arrival and departure processes. Saudia is also coordinating extensively with public and private sector partners to ensure smooth operations across all airport touchpoints, with more than 11,000 frontline staff and aircraft maintenance technicians mobilized to serve pilgrims across a 74-day operational window.
Hajj is expected to take place from June 4 to 9, 2025, depending on lunar observations. In accordance with official guidelines, pilgrims must be at least 12 years of age to participate.
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia, said: “Hajj remains one of our top national priorities. This year, we’re proud to not only manage air operations at full capacity but to also extend our role to become a direct service provider to pilgrims. Through this expansion, we aim to deliver a holistic experience that meets the highest standards of care and hospitality.”
He continued, “We’re investing over SAR 100 million in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites to provide pilgrims with thoughtfully curated service packages, to redefine the concept of Hajj service delivery, setting a new standard for excellence.”
This includes special accommodation, dedicated rest areas, restaurants, and coffee and snack lounges inspired by AlFursan lounges at the holy sites — all supported by multilingual staff for seamless communication.
Among Saudia’s most notable innovations this year is the launch of “The Coolest Ihram” — the world’s first high-tech Ihram garment, introduced on World Creativity and Innovation Day. Designed in collaboration with Landor and brrr®, the garment features patented cooling minerals, active wicking, and rapid-drying technology that can reduce skin temperature by up to 2°C. It offers UPF 50+ protection while remaining fully compliant with Islamic requirements for both men and women, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for pilgrims under extreme conditions. It will be available to Saudia guests from June 2025.
Onboard, pilgrims can enjoy a range of thoughtful services during their journey, including diverse meal options, timely prayer and Miqat announcements, and specially curated instructional programs developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. For those with special needs, Saudia provides accessible transportation, oxygen supply during the flight, and medical stretcher services—ensuring inclusive and dignified access to the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims can enjoy a range of thoughtful services during their journey, including diverse meal options, timely prayer and Miqat announcements, and specially curated instructional programs developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. For those with special needs, Saudia provides accessible transportation, oxygen supply during the flight, and medical stretcher services—ensuring inclusive and dignified access to the pilgrimage.
To provide real-time updates and centralized services, Saudia Group has also launched the official Saudia Hajj and Umrah platform — a dedicated digital channel showcasing new products, pilgrim-focused services, and innovations shaping the future of spiritual travel.
By combining scale, service, and smart innovation, Saudia is leading this new era of Hajj with purpose and precision. Backed by the resources and strategic vision of Saudia Group, the airline is not only supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals — it is reimagining how millions experience this sacred journey.
