Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has officially begun its Hajj 2026 operations, marking the arrival of the first group of pilgrims into the Kingdom. The season started with Flight SV5807, which landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah from Dhaka, carrying 376 pilgrims.

The arrival was welcomed by His Excellency Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, and His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, along with senior officials. Their presence reflected the Kingdom’s continued focus on ensuring a smooth and well-managed pilgrimage journey.

Saudia’s Hajj plan will run for 75 days, covering both arrival and departure phases. The airline has put together a detailed operational plan, working closely with different authorities to manage the movement of pilgrims efficiently from various parts of the world.

For the 2026 season, Saudia has arranged more than one million seats across its domestic and international network. The operations will be supported by a fleet of 160 aircraft, connecting pilgrims from 145 destinations globally. A dedicated workforce across departments will be working round the clock to ensure smooth functioning throughout the period.

His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said:

“Serving pilgrims is a national priority, and Saudia plays an integral role within a broader ecosystem dedicated to this mission. In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, and in partnership with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program, we continue to advance initiatives that enhance the Hajj journey. As we contribute to the Kingdom’s objective of facilitating travel for 30 million pilgrims and Umrah performers by 2030, we remain committed to delivering a high standard of service at every stage, supported by disciplined operations and strong on-time performance.”

To improve the overall experience, Saudia is offering several passenger-friendly services. These include issuing boarding passes for both onward and return journeys at international departure points, along with domestic connections. The airline will also operate additional flights to Madinah.

Through the “Makkah Route” initiative, Saudia expects to serve more than 179,000 pilgrims, while the “Luggage First” service is set to manage around 330,000 bags and 230,000 bottles of Zamzam water.

Onboard services have also been designed keeping pilgrims in mind. Passengers will receive Miqat announcements 30 minutes before crossing, along with Talbiyah broadcasts. A dedicated inflight channel will provide educational content on Hajj and Umrah rituals, along with meal options suited to different preferences.

With a strong focus on planning, service, and coordination, Saudia aims to make the Hajj 2026 journey smooth and comfortable for pilgrims travelling from across the globe.