Kazakhstan’s approximately 4,527 Hajj pilgrims for 2026 will travel to Jeddah and Madinah via SCAT Airlines and several Saudi carriers operating direct flights from Almaty and Shymkent. With Hajj 2026 (1447 AH) expected between May 25 and 30, here is what you need to know about flight schedules, airlines, 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 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 under the Kingdom-wide window set by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Individual return dates are assigned by national Hajj authorities and operators, not chosen freely by pilgrims.
Pilgrims who arrived in Madinah first generally fly home from Jeddah, and vice versa. Kazakh pilgrims typically return on charter or scheduled flights with Air Astana, SCAT, Saudia or flynas into Almaty or Astana.
| Country/Region | Return window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia — overall (GACA) | 30 May – 30 June 2026 | Kingdom-wide departure window for all carriers and countries |
| Kazakhstan pilgrims | Authority/operator-assigned date within 30 May – 30 June 2026 (depends on your package) | Return airports: Almaty (ALA) / Astana (NQZ); carriers Air Astana, SCAT, Saudia / flynas |
| Jeddah (JED) / Madinah (MED) departures | Split across the same 30 May – 30 June 2026 window | Madinah-first pilgrims generally return via Jeddah and vice versa |
Return dates can shift with operator scheduling, so confirm your exact flight through the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan and your Hajj operator. Build in a buffer day or two before any onward plans.
Airlines operating Hajj flights from Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has direct air links to Saudi Arabia through both Kazakh and Saudi carriers. Most pilgrims travel through authorized Hajj operators who bundle flights into packages, but individual tickets are also available on scheduled routes.
SCAT Airlines
SCAT Airlines, based in Shymkent, operates direct flights from Almaty to both Jeddah and Madinah. These flights take approximately five hours and run twice weekly, with departures in the morning and arrivals in the evening.
SCAT is commonly included in Hajj packages arranged by Kazakh tour operators.
Saudi carriers
Several Saudi airlines also serve the Kazakhstan–Saudi Arabia route during Hajj season:
- Saudia: Saudi Arabia’s national carrier is the largest global operator during Hajj, mobilizing 160 aircraft across 145 destinations. Saudia operates connecting flights to Jeddah and Madinah.
- flynas: A Saudi low-cost carrier offering competitive fares on routes connecting Central Asia to the holy cities.
- flyadeal: Has launched its largest-ever Hajj operation for 2026, transporting nearly 85,000 pilgrims from 28 cities across 12 countries — including Kazakhstan — to Jeddah and Madinah.
Search and compare all available options for flights to Jeddah or flights to Madinah on Wego.
Hajj flight ticket prices from Kazakhstan
Individual one-way flights from Almaty to Jeddah start from around $232 (approximately KZT 116,000) on budget carriers. Prices rise sharply closer to Hajj dates, so early booking is essential.
Hajj packages from Kazakhstan
Most Kazakh pilgrims travel through authorized Hajj operators who bundle flights, visa, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, ground transportation, and guidance into all-inclusive packages.
The Nusuk Hajj platform offers three package tiers for international pilgrims:
- Standard packages: basic accommodation and shared transport
- Premium packages: closer hotels and better amenities
- Luxury packages: 5-star hotels near the Haram, premium ground services
Packages are available in shifting (accommodation moves to Mashair sites during Hajj days) and non-shifting (single hotel throughout) formats, with a minimum duration of 10 days for non-shifting packages and 14 days for shifting packages.
How to register for Hajj from Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s Hajj quota is approximately 4,527 pilgrims, based on the Saudi allocation formula of roughly one pilgrim per 1,000 Muslims. Registration goes through the official Nusuk Hajj platform.
Registration steps
- Create an account on hajj.nusuk.sa using your passport details and a valid email address.
- Upload required documents: passport biodata page (valid for at least six months beyond travel), a passport-style photo, and a medical fitness certificate.
- Select a Hajj package (standard, premium, or luxury) once packages become available.
- Complete payment through the Nusuk e-wallet system.
Kazakhstan’s quota fills quickly — in neighboring Kyrgyzstan, the 2026 quota was filled on the first day of registration. Register as early as possible and prepare all documents in advance.
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 your journey
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
- Carry printed copies of your Nusuk registration, vaccination certificate, and emergency contacts.
- Pack a first aid kit with hand sanitizer, masks, pain medication, and sunscreen.
- Temperatures in Makkah can exceed 40°C during Hajj — wear comfortable walking shoes and stay hydrated.
For comprehensive Hajj preparation and live updates, follow our Hajj 2026 news and updates page and first-timer’s guide to Hajj.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a Hajj flight from Kazakhstan 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 airports in Kazakhstan operate Hajj flights?
Almaty International Airport is the primary departure hub, with direct flights to both Jeddah and Madinah on SCAT Airlines. Shymkent International Airport has also previously offered direct flights to Jeddah. Check with your Hajj operator for the latest departure points for 2026.
How long is the flight from Kazakhstan to Saudi Arabia?
Direct flights from Almaty to Jeddah take approximately 5–7 hours depending on the carrier and routing.
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
- General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) — Saudi Arabia
- Nusuk Hajj Platform — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
- Nusuk — Hajj Health Guidelines
- Air Astana — Cancellation of Flights to the Middle East
- The Astana Times — SCAT Airlines Launches Flights to Medina and Jeddah
- Hajj Reporters — flyadeal to Airlift 85,000 Pilgrims During 2026 Hajj Season
- The Traveler — Saudia Group Sets Ambitious Course for Hajj 2026
- World Population Review — Hajj Quota by Country
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.
