Kuwait’s approximately 3,600 approved Hajj pilgrims for 2026 will fly to Jeddah and Madinah on Kuwait Airways and several other carriers operating from Kuwait International Airport. 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 register.
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 official 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.
For the full global schedule breakdown, see our Hajj 2026 flight schedule guide.
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. Kuwait’s Hajj Affairs Department at the Ministry of Awqaf assigns each campaign its return date within this Kingdom-wide window.
As a general rule, pilgrims who arrived first in Madinah typically depart from Jeddah (JED), while those who arrived in Jeddah depart from Madinah (MED). The table below summarises Kuwait’s return arrangements.
| Country/Region | Return window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia — overall (GACA) | 30 May – 30 June 2026 | Kingdom-wide departure window for all carriers and countries |
| Kuwait (Awqaf / Hajj Affairs Dept pilgrims) | Authority-assigned date within 30 May – 30 June 2026 | The Awqaf Hajj Affairs Department assigns each campaign and flight its return date; Kuwait Airways (KU), Jazeera Airways (J9) and Saudia (SV) operate the airlift, returning pilgrims to Kuwait (KWI) from JED or MED |
| 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 the Hajj Affairs Department and your specific campaign, so confirm your exact departure date with Awqaf and your airline before travelling.
Airlines operating Hajj flights from Kuwait
Several airlines operate direct flights from Kuwait International Airport (KWI) to Saudi Arabia during Hajj season. Most Kuwaiti pilgrims travel through government-organized programs or accredited operators, which include flights as part of their package.
Kuwait Airways
Kuwait Airways, the national carrier, is the primary operator for Kuwaiti pilgrims during Hajj season. It runs scheduled direct flights from Kuwait City to both Jeddah and Madinah year-round, with additional capacity added during the Hajj season. The flight time from Kuwait City to Jeddah is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.
For GCC nationals, Kuwait Airways requires a valid Hajj permit (Tasreeh) to board dedicated Hajj services to Jeddah and Madinah during the pilgrimage window.
Saudia and flynas
Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, is the largest global operator during Hajj season — deploying over 160 aircraft and offering more than one million seats across 145 destinations. Saudia operates direct flights from Kuwait City to both Jeddah and Madinah.
flynas, Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier, also operates high-frequency routes between Kuwait and Jeddah and is commonly included in Hajj packages arranged by Kuwaiti operators.
Other carriers
Additional airlines connecting Kuwait City to Jeddah include:
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 Kuwait
Individual one-way flights from Kuwait City to Jeddah start from around KWD 150–250 (~USD 490–820) on scheduled services. Prices rise sharply closer to Hajj dates. Most Kuwaiti pilgrims do not book flights separately — they travel through government-coordinated programs or accredited operators that bundle flights into all-inclusive packages.
Hajj packages from Kuwait
Kuwait’s pilgrims travel through packages coordinated by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and licensed Hajj operators. Packages typically include flights, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, meals, ground transport, and Hajj guidance.
| Package tier | Estimated cost (KWD) | Typical inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 1,400 – 2,000 | Budget accommodation, group transport, shared meals |
| Standard | 2,000 – 3,500 | 3–4 star hotels, half-board meals, guided services |
| Premium / VIP | 3,500 – 6,000+ | 5-star hotels near Haram, private transport, full-board meals |
Prices vary based on hotel proximity to the Haram, flight carrier, and duration of stay. Confirm the latest package pricing with your licensed Hajj operator.
How to register for Hajj from Kuwait
Kuwaiti citizens and residents cannot book a Hajj flight independently and travel to Makkah during Hajj season without going through an official channel. Registration is managed by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, which coordinates Kuwait’s annual quota of approximately 3,600 pilgrims with Saudi authorities.
Registration process
Applications open annually through the Ministry of Awqaf’s official portal and authorized Hajj campaign offices. The ministry confirms Kuwait’s allocated quota with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and manages the selection and notification of approved pilgrims.
You can verify your registration status through the Kuwait e-government portal’s Ministry of Awqaf e-services, which includes a tool to confirm enrollment in an approved and licensed Hajj campaign.
What your operator handles
Once selected, your assigned operator handles the Hajj visa, flight booking, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, ground transportation, and guidance throughout the pilgrimage.
Kuwait nationals who are GCC residents may also apply through the Nusuk Hajj platform if eligible under the Direct Hajj Program for Muslim-minority or diaspora populations. Check with the Ministry of Awqaf for your eligibility route.
Health requirements and travel tips
Saudi Arabia requires 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 copies of your Civil 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.
- Download the Nusuk app, which is now mandatory for Grand Mosque entry and digital permit management.
For comprehensive Hajj preparation and live updates, follow our Hajj 2026 news and updates page. For security and safety information, see our Is Hajj 2026 Safe? guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a Hajj flight from Kuwait 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 Kuwaiti citizens, the legal route to perform Hajj is through the Ministry of Awqaf and an accredited Hajj operator.
Which airport in Kuwait handles Hajj flights?
All Hajj flights depart from Kuwait International Airport (KWI) in Kuwait City. It is the country’s only international airport and handles all Hajj airlift operations.
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.
What is Kuwait’s Hajj quota for 2026?
Kuwait’s annual Hajj quota is approximately 3,600 pilgrims. Saudi Arabia allocates quotas on a per-country basis according to the size of the resident Muslim population. Registration is managed through the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
Sources
- General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) — Time Frame of Hajj Flights
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — Official Hajj Portal
- Nusuk — Official Hajj Platform
- Kuwait Airways — Flight Schedule
- Kuwait International Airport — Flights Timetable
- Kuwait Government Online — Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs e-Services
- World Population Review — Hajj Quota by Country 2024
- 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.
