Malaysia’s 31,600 approved Hajj pilgrims for 2026 will fly to Madinah and Jeddah primarily on Amal by Malaysia Airlines, the dedicated Hajj and Umrah arm of Malaysia Aviation Group, with Hajj 2026 (1447 AH) expected between 25 and 30 May.
Hajj 2026 dates and flight window
Hajj 2026 (1447 AH) is expected to begin on Monday, 25 May, with the Day of Arafah on Tuesday, 26 May, and Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, 27 May. 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): 18 April to 21 May 2026
- Return flights (departures from Saudi Arabia): 30 May to 30 June 2026
During the first phase (18 April – 4 May), outbound flights operate primarily to Madinah, allowing pilgrims to visit Masjid al-Nabawi first. From 5 May 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. Each national Hajj authority assigns individual return dates to its pilgrims within this window.
As a general rule, pilgrims who arrived first in Madinah typically depart from Jeddah, and those who arrived in Jeddah depart from Madinah. The table below summarises Malaysia’s confirmed 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 |
| Malaysia (Tabung Haji pilgrims) | Authority-assigned date within 30 May – 30 June 2026 (Malaysia’s airlift began 3 June 2026) | Tabung Haji assigns each maktab and flight its specific return date. Malaysia Airlines (Amal) and Saudia operate the airlift; main return airport is KUL Kuala Lumpur, with KCH (Kuching) and BKI (Kota Kinabalu) used where relevant for East Malaysia pilgrims |
| 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 can shift with operator scheduling, so confirm your specific date via Tabung Haji and your airline before making any onward plans.
Airlines operating Hajj flights from Malaysia
The vast majority of Malaysian pilgrims fly through Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), which coordinates all government-approved Hajj travel. Amal by Malaysia Airlines is the primary carrier under a five-year operational contract with TH running from 2025 to 2029.
Amal by Malaysia Airlines
Amal by Malaysia Airlines — a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group — launched its 2026 Hajj operations on 18 April with the inaugural flight MH8050 departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 to Madinah.
For the full season, Amal will operate 110 flights across two phases, transporting 15,620 pilgrims on its A330-300 aircraft (284 seats):
- Phase 1: 55 outbound flights to Madinah and Jeddah
- Phase 2: 55 return flights from 4 June to 30 June 2026
Amal was recognised as the No. 1 foreign carrier at the Hajj Convention 2025 in Jeddah, underlining its track record of service quality for Malaysian pilgrims.
Domestic feeder flights
The 2026 season is supported by 67 domestic feeder flights connecting pilgrims from across Malaysia to KLIA before their international departure. Cities served include:
- Penang (PEN)
- Alor Setar (AOR)
- Kota Bharu (KBR)
- Kuala Terengganu (TGG)
- Johor Bahru (JHB)
- Kuching (KCH)
- Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Other carriers
Pilgrims travelling on private Hajj packages (outside the Tabung Haji scheme) may also find seats on Saudia, which operates flights to Jeddah from Kuala Lumpur, as well as AirAsia and Batik Air, which both serve the KUL–JED route on scheduled services.
Hajj registration and costs in Malaysia
Malaysian citizens cannot book a Hajj flight independently. All Hajj travel from Malaysia is managed through Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), which allocates seats based on a queue system — not on financial capacity or ability to pay more.
Malaysia’s 2026 Hajj quota
Saudi Arabia has allocated Malaysia a quota of 31,600 pilgrims for 1447H/2026. Amal by Malaysia Airlines is contracted to transport 15,620 of these pilgrims; the remaining seats are handled through other TH-approved arrangements.
2026 Hajj package costs
Tabung Haji has maintained its subsidised Hajj costs for 2026 despite rising operational expenses. Costs are tiered by income group:
| Income group | Cost per pilgrim (MYR) |
|---|---|
| T20 (high income) | RM 33,300 |
| M40 (middle income) | RM 23,500 |
| B40 (low income) | RM 15,000 |
TH has allocated RM 210 million for Hajj Financial Assistance this season, with B40 pilgrims receiving a subsidy of up to RM 18,300. All packages cover flights with Amal, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, ground transport, and pilgrimage guidance.
Health requirements and travel tips
Saudi Arabia’s official Hajj health guidelines (Nusuk) require all pilgrims to complete mandatory vaccinations before departure. The most critical is the quadrivalent meningococcal (ACWY) vaccine, which must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Baggage and cargo services
MAG, through its subsidiary MASkargo, offers a door-to-door courier service for returning pilgrims. Parcels are accepted at selected hotels in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, consolidated, and delivered directly to addresses in Malaysia — helping pilgrims make the most of their baggage allowance on the return flight.
Practical tips
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
- Carry copies of your TH registration documents, vaccination certificate, and emergency contacts.
- Temperatures in Makkah exceed 40°C during Hajj season — stay hydrated and pack sun protection.
- For a full packing checklist, see our Hajj packing list 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a Hajj flight from Malaysia without going through Tabung Haji?
You can book a scheduled flight to Jeddah, but you will not be permitted to enter Makkah during Hajj season without a valid Hajj permit and visa. For Malaysian citizens, the legal route to perform Hajj is through Lembaga Tabung Haji or a TH-approved private operator.
Which airport do Malaysian pilgrims depart from?
The main departure hub is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1. Pilgrims from other cities connect via 67 domestic feeder flights from Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and several other airports.
How many Malaysian pilgrims are going for Hajj 2026?
Saudi Arabia has allocated Malaysia a quota of 31,600 pilgrims for 1447H/2026. Amal by Malaysia Airlines is contracted to transport 15,620 of them across 110 flights.
When do return flights from Saudi Arabia depart?
Amal’s Phase 2 return flights are scheduled from 4 June to 30 June 2026, within the GACA-mandated window of 30 May to 30 June 2026.
Sources
- Malaysia Aviation Group — Amal by Malaysia Airlines Set to Operate 110 Flights for 2026 Hajj Season
- The Star — Amal by Malaysia Airlines to Operate 110 Flights for 2026 Haj Season
- Tabung Haji — Hajj Operations
- Ringgit Plus — 2026 Haj Cost Remains at RM33,300 Despite Fuel Price Concerns
- The Vibes — Tabung Haji Maintains Subsidised Hajj Costs for 2026
- General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) — Saudi Arabia
- Nusuk — Hajj Health Guidelines
- Malay Mail — Tabung Haji System Ensures Haj Eligibility Based on Quota and Queue
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. We recommend checking the official Amal by Malaysia Airlines website and Tabung Haji for the latest updates before you travel. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
