Hajj 2026 dates and flight window
Hajj 2026 (1447 AH) is expected to begin on Monday, May 25, with the Day of Arafah on Tuesday, May 26, and Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, May 27. Final dates depend on the official moon sighting by Saudi authorities.
GACA flight operation timeframe
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has set the following window for Hajj 2026 flight operations:
- Outbound flights (arrivals to Saudi Arabia): April 18 to May 21, 2026
- Return flights (departures from Saudi Arabia): May 30 to June 30, 2026
During the first phase (April 18 – May 3), outbound flights operate primarily to Madinah, allowing pilgrims to visit Masjid al-Nabawi first. From May 4 onward, flights shift to Jeddah as the core Hajj rituals approach.
Hajj 2026 Return Flight Schedule
The post-Hajj departure phase opened on 30 May 2026 and runs through 30 June 2026 across all sending countries under the GACA Kingdom-wide window. Each Nusuk-approved Canadian Hajj operator assigns return dates to its pilgrim groups within this window.
As a general rule, pilgrims who arrived first in Madinah typically depart from Jeddah, while those who arrived in Jeddah depart from Madinah. The table below summarises return arrangements for Canadian pilgrims.
| Country/Region | Return window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia — overall (GACA) | 30 May – 30 June 2026 | Kingdom-wide departure window for all carriers and countries |
| Canada (Nusuk-approved operator groups) | Operator-assigned date within 30 May – 30 June 2026 | Canadian operators assign each group’s return via Nusuk; most return one-stop on Saudia, a Gulf carrier such as Qatar Airways, or Turkish Airlines through DXB/DOH/AUH/IST, departing from JED or MED to YYZ/YUL |
| Jeddah (JED) / Madinah (MED) departures | Within the 30 May – 30 June 2026 window | Madinah-first pilgrims generally fly home from Jeddah; Jeddah-first pilgrims depart from Madinah |
Return dates are set by your operator, so confirm them through your Nusuk-approved package provider and airline.
Airlines operating flights from Canada to Saudi Arabia
Unlike countries with government-organized Hajj air bridges, Canadian pilgrims book flights through their Hajj operator or independently on scheduled commercial routes. Toronto Pearson (YYZ) is the main departure hub, with Montreal (YUL) and Vancouver (YVR) also serving as departure points.
Saudia
Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, is the only airline offering nonstop flights from Canada to Saudi Arabia. The Toronto–Jeddah route (SV62) operates multiple times per week, with flight times of approximately 11 hours and 45 minutes.
As the largest global operator during Hajj season — mobilizing 160 aircraft and offering over one million seats across 145 destinations — Saudia is a natural first choice for Canadian pilgrims heading to Jeddah.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines connects Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver to both Jeddah and Madinah via Istanbul. It is one of the most popular options for Canadian pilgrims flying from cities without direct Saudia service.
Other airlines
Several other carriers connect Canadian airports to Jeddah and Madinah via Gulf and Middle Eastern hubs:
- Emirates — via Dubai
- Qatar Airways — via Doha (operates nonstop from Montreal to Doha, with a connection onward to Jeddah)
- Etihad Airways — via Abu Dhabi
- Royal Jordanian — via Amman
- EgyptAir — via Cairo
Search for flights to Jeddah or flights to Madinah on Wego to compare options and fares from your nearest Canadian airport.
Hajj flight prices and packages from Canada
Round-trip flights from Toronto to Jeddah start from approximately CAD 831 on Saudia, with connecting options on Turkish Airlines starting from around CAD 931. Prices rise sharply closer to Hajj dates, so early booking is essential.
However, most Canadian pilgrims do not book flights separately — they travel through accredited Hajj operators who bundle flights into all-inclusive packages purchased via the Nusuk platform.
Hajj package price ranges from Canada
| Package tier | Estimated cost (CAD) | Typical inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $11,000–$15,000 | Flights, 3- to 4-star hotels, ground transport, group meals |
| Premium | $16,000–$22,000 | Flights, 5-star hotels, guided services, upgraded meals |
| Luxury | $23,000–$30,000+ | Flights, 5-star proximity hotels, private transport, VIP services |
Final prices are set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah through Nusuk and are subject to change based on government fees and global flight costs. Demand for the 5-star tier has been especially high — several Canadian operators reported fully booked premium packages well before the booking window closed.
How to register for Hajj from Canada
Canadian citizens and permanent residents must register and book exclusively through the official Nusuk Hajj platform, operated by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Canada’s Hajj quota for 2026 is 1,300 pilgrims.
Registering on Nusuk
- Visit hajj.nusuk.sa and click “Start Registration.”
- Select “Individual Pilgrims” and choose Canada as your country of residence.
- Upload a clear image of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date — ensure it’s valid through at least June 20, 2026.
Verification may take several days to a few weeks. Once verified, your profile shows as “Verified Pilgrim” and you become eligible to book a package.
Booking your package
Once verified, an e-wallet is created in your Nusuk account. You can fund it by credit card or bank transfer, then select a package during the booking window.
Several Canadian-based operators — including Labayk Hajj, Dar El Salam, and Sara International Travel — partner with licensed Saudi agencies through Nusuk to assist pilgrims with registration and travel logistics. If you hold dual citizenship, you must apply using your Canadian passport.
Health requirements and travel tips
Saudi Arabia’s Hajj health guidelines require all pilgrims to complete mandatory vaccinations before departure. The meningococcal ACYW vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival. For the full list of required and recommended vaccinations, see our dedicated Hajj vaccine requirements guide.
Practical tips for Canadian pilgrims
- Book flights early — North America–Saudi routes spike quickly during Hajj season, especially from Toronto.
- Check the Government of Canada travel advisory for Saudi Arabia before departure.
- Carry copies of your passport, vaccination certificate, Nusuk confirmation, and emergency contacts.
- Pack for extreme heat — temperatures in Makkah can exceed 40°C during Hajj season. Bring sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a Hajj flight from Canada without a Hajj package?
You can book a regular scheduled flight to Jeddah or Madinah, but you will not be able to enter Makkah during Hajj season without a valid Hajj permit and visa obtained through the Nusuk platform.
Which Canadian airports have Hajj season flights to Saudi Arabia?
Toronto Pearson (YYZ) is the main hub with Saudia’s direct service to Jeddah. Montreal (YUL) and Vancouver (YVR) also offer connecting flights via Gulf and European hubs.
How much does Hajj cost from Canada in 2026?
All-inclusive packages range from approximately CAD 11,000 (standard) to CAD 30,000+ (luxury), depending on hotel proximity, service level, and airline. Prices are set through the Nusuk platform and are subject to change.
How much Zamzam water can I bring back to Canada?
Airlines flying from Saudi Arabia generally allow Hajj and Umrah passengers to carry one sealed 5-liter bottle of Zamzam water per passenger at no additional cost, as a separate checked item. Check with your specific airline for their exact policy.
Sources
- GACA — Time Frame of Hajj Flights 2026
- Nusuk — Official Hajj Platform, Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
- Nusuk — Hajj Health Guidelines
- Saudia — Hajj & Umrah Flights
- The Traveler — Saudia Group Sets Ambitious Course for Hajj 2026
- Government of Canada — Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
