Egypt’s approximately 35,000 approved Hajj pilgrims for 2026 will fly to Jeddah and Madinah on EgyptAir and several other carriers operating from Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. With Hajj 2026 (1447 AH) expected between May 25 and 30, here is everything you need to know about flight schedules, airlines, ticket prices, and how to book.
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 4), outbound flights operate primarily to Madinah, allowing pilgrims to visit Masjid al-Nabawi first. From May 5 onward, flights shift to Jeddah as the core Hajj rituals approach.
EgyptAir’s Hajj schedule from Egypt
EgyptAir has scheduled 277 outbound flights for the 2026 Hajj season — 127 to Madinah and 150 to Jeddah. The airline’s air bridge began on May 8 and outbound flights are scheduled to continue until May 16.
Return services will run from June 2 to June 15.
Airlines operating Hajj flights from Egypt
EgyptAir is the primary carrier for Egyptian pilgrims, but several other airlines also operate direct flights between Egypt and Saudi Arabia during Hajj season. Most Egyptian pilgrims travel through government-organized programs or accredited tourism companies, which include flights as part of the package.
EgyptAir
EgyptAir, Egypt’s national carrier, is operating a dedicated air bridge to transport approximately 67,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this season. Flights depart from multiple Egyptian airports:
- Cairo International Airport: The main departure hub, with flights to both Jeddah and Madinah
- Luxor International Airport: 13 scheduled flights for Upper Egypt pilgrims
- Aswan International Airport: 3 scheduled flights for southern governorate pilgrims
On peak days, EgyptAir operates up to 22 flights in a single day — including 8 flights from Cairo to Jeddah, 10 from Cairo to Madinah, 2 from Aswan to Jeddah, and 1 from Cairo to Taif.
EgyptAir transports pilgrims from lottery draws organized by the Ministries of Interior, Health, Endowments, and Tourism, as well as solidarity pilgrimage groups from various governorates.
Saudia
Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, is the largest global operator during Hajj season — mobilizing 160 aircraft and offering over one million seats for pilgrims across 145 destinations. Saudia operates direct flights from Cairo to both Jeddah and Madinah.
flynas
flynas, Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier, operates high-frequency flights between Cairo and Jeddah. flynas is commonly included in Hajj packages arranged by Egyptian tourism operators, offering competitive fares on the route.
Other carriers
Several additional airlines operate direct flights from Cairo to Jeddah during the Hajj season:
Availability on these carriers varies — check with your Hajj operator or search for flights to Jeddah on Wego to compare options.
Hajj flight ticket prices from Egypt
Individual one-way flights from Cairo to Jeddah start from around $88 (approximately EGP 4,500) on budget carriers like flyadeal, while EgyptAir fares start from approximately $182 (around EGP 9,300). Prices rise sharply closer to Hajj dates.
However, most Egyptian pilgrims do not book flights separately — they travel through government-organized programs or accredited tourism companies that bundle flights into all-inclusive packages.
Hajj packages from Egypt
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities offers Hajj packages across multiple tiers. All 2026 prices have been reduced by EGP 5,000 to EGP 20,000 compared to the previous season. Package prices exclude air transport costs.
| Package tier | Estimated cost (EGP) | Typical inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Five-Star Kidana Towers | 645,000 | Hotel tower accommodation (instead of tents), premium services |
| Category A (Tented) | 560,000 | Premium tented accommodation, full-board meals |
| Category B (Tented) | 500,000 | Standard tented accommodation, full-board meals |
| Economic A | 285,000 | Budget accommodation, shared transport, group meals |
| Economic B | 265,000 | Budget accommodation, shared transport, group meals |
| Economic C | 245,000 | Basic accommodation, shared transport, group meals |
A new addition for 2026 is the Five-Star Kidana Towers program, which allows pilgrims to stay in hotel towers during the pilgrimage instead of traditional tent accommodations in Mina.
How to register for Hajj from Egypt
Egyptian citizens cannot simply book a Hajj flight and travel independently. Hajj travel from Egypt requires registration through one of three government-run channels, selection via a public lottery, and booking through an accredited operator or program.
Three registration channels
- Ministry of Social Solidarity (NGO/charitable associations): Selects approximately 12,000 pilgrims via electronic lottery. Applicants must be registered members of charitable associations with annual subscription fees paid.
- Ministry of Interior: Accepts applications for a separate lottery draw. Applications were open from October 12 to 28.
- Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities: Manages Hajj travel through licensed tourism companies. Applications were open from October 15 to 30, with results announced on November 4.
Citizens who registered through one ministry’s lottery are not eligible to apply through another. If you were not selected this year, check with the relevant ministry about whether your application carries over to the next season.
What your operator handles
Once selected, your assigned operator or program handles the Hajj visa, flight booking, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, ground transportation, and guidance throughout the pilgrimage.
Health requirements and travel tips
Saudi Arabia’s Hajj health guidelines require all pilgrims to complete mandatory vaccinations before departure. For instance, Meningococcal ACYW vaccine, must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. To learn about the full list of required and recommended vaccinations, see our dedicated Hajj vaccine requirements guide.
Practical tips for your journey
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
- Carry copies of your national ID, vaccination certificate, medical reports, and emergency contacts.
- Pack a first aid kit with hand sanitizer, masks, pain medication, moisturizing cream, and sunscreen.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and stay hydrated — temperatures in Makkah can exceed 40°C during Hajj season.
For comprehensive Hajj preparation and live updates, follow our Hajj 2026 news and updates page and Hajj 2026 live blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a Hajj flight from Egypt 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. For Egyptian citizens, the only legal way to perform Hajj is through one of the three government-organized registration channels.
Which airports in Egypt operate Hajj flights?
Cairo International Airport is the main departure hub, handling the majority of EgyptAir’s 277 outbound Hajj flights. Luxor International Airport operates 13 flights and Aswan International Airport handles 3 flights, serving pilgrims from Upper Egypt.
How much does a Hajj package cost from Egypt in 2026?
Tourism Ministry packages range from EGP 245,000 (Economic C) to EGP 645,000 (Five-Star Kidana Towers). All prices have been reduced by EGP 5,000 to EGP 20,000 compared to last season. These prices exclude air transport costs.
How much Zamzam water can I bring back on my return flight?
Most airlines allow one sealed 5-liter bottle of Zamzam water per passenger at no additional cost, carried as a separate checked item. Check with your specific airline for their exact policy.
Sources
- Ahram Online — EgyptAir transports 9,150 African and Palestinian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia
- Ahram Online — Egypt opens tourism Hajj registration for 2026 season
- Misr Connect — EgyptAir to Operate 22 Flights to Transport Pilgrims
- Travel and Tour World — Egypt Gears Up for Hajj 2026
- Egypt State Information Service — Social Solidarity Minister announces results of Hajj lottery
- Nusuk — Hajj Health Guidelines
- GACA — General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saudi Arabia
- The Traveler — Saudia Group Sets Ambitious Course for Hajj 2026
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.
