Filipino pilgrims flying to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2026 (1447 AH) will depart from Manila on Saudia, Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, and other international carriers bound for Madinah and Jeddah. With Hajj 2026 expected between May 25 and 30, here is what Filipino pilgrims need to know about flight schedules, airlines, costs, and the new luggage-free program.
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.
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 GACA window. Individual return dates for Filipino pilgrims are assigned by the NCMF and accredited operators within that period.
Madinah-first pilgrims generally depart from Jeddah, while Jeddah-first pilgrims return via Madinah. Filipino pilgrims typically fly home to Manila on Saudia, or one-stop on Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific via a Gulf hub.
| Country/Region | Return window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia — overall (GACA) | 30 May – 30 June 2026 | Kingdom-wide departure window for all carriers and countries |
| Philippine pilgrims | Operator/NCMF-assigned date within 30 May – 30 June 2026 (depends on package) | Return airport Manila (MNL); Saudia direct or PAL / Cebu Pacific one-stop via a Gulf hub |
| Jeddah (JED) / Madinah (MED) departures | Split across the 30 May – 30 June window | Madinah-first pilgrims generally return via Jeddah and vice versa |
Return dates can shift with operator scheduling and Kingdom-wide flow management. Confirm your assigned date with the NCMF and your accredited agent, and build in buffer days.
Airlines operating Hajj flights from the Philippines
Under the NCMF Charter (Republic Act No. 9997), Filipino pilgrims have the right to choose their preferred airline. Flights depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Manila.
Saudia
Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, is the primary airline used for Filipino Hajj flights. In 2025, Saudia operated multiple daily flights from Manila to Madinah and Jeddah, carrying the majority of the Philippines’ approximately 5,300 pilgrims.
For the 2026 season, Saudia is mobilizing 160 aircraft and over one million seats across 145 global destinations, including Manila.
Qatar Airways and Kuwait Airways
Qatar Airways and Kuwait Airways also operate Hajj flights from Manila, with connections through Doha and Kuwait City respectively. These carriers offer alternative routing options for pilgrims seeking competitive fares or schedule flexibility.
Other carriers
Additional airlines operating Manila–Jeddah routes during Hajj season include Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi) and Emirates (via Dubai). Search for flights to Jeddah on Wego to compare options and prices.
Hajj flight costs and mutawwif fees from the Philippines
Filipino pilgrims book flights separately from their Hajj service fees. The total cost has two main components: airfare and the mutawwif (service provider) fee.
Airfare
One-way flights from Manila to Jeddah on Saudia typically start from around $350–$500, though prices rise sharply closer to Hajj dates. Connecting flights via Gulf hubs on Qatar Airways or Kuwait Airways may offer lower fares.
Mutawwif fees
The mutawwif fee covers ground transportation, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, meals, and guided services throughout the pilgrimage. For 2025, the NCMF set the mutawwif fee at approximately $3,160 per pilgrim.
The 2026 mutawwif fee schedule has been published by the NCMF Bureau of Pilgrimage and Endowment (BPE). Contact the NCMF-BPE or your accredited Hajj travel agency for the confirmed 2026 rates.
How to register for Hajj from the Philippines
The NCMF, through its Bureau of Pilgrimage and Endowment, coordinates all Hajj operations for Filipino pilgrims. The Philippines’ Hajj quota is approximately 5,300 pilgrims, as allocated by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Registration process
- Register through the NCMF’s e-Hajj system or at the NCMF-BPE office in Quezon City
- Choose an NCMF-accredited travel agency for your mutawwif services
- Pay the mutawwif fee by the NCMF-published deadline
- Complete mandatory vaccinations at the Bureau of Quarantine
Unlike some countries where the government assigns airlines, Filipino pilgrims have the freedom to book their own airline under RA 9997 — though most coordinate bookings through their chosen travel agency.
New for 2026: luggage-free Hajj program
The NCMF has announced a “Hajj Without Luggage” program in coordination with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Under this system, checked baggage will be collected directly from the airport upon arrival and transported to your designated hotel in Madinah.
Each pilgrim receives two official luggage stickers for their two allowed checked bags. Keep essentials — passport, visa documents, medications, cash, and a change of clothes — in your hand-carry bag.
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.
Practical tips for Filipino pilgrims
- Ensure your Philippine passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
- Attend the NCMF-organized vaccination drive at the Bureau of Quarantine — bring your Hajj registration documents and valid ID.
- Download the Nusuk app before departure — it is now mandatory for Grand Mosque entry and prayer bookings.
- Pack light and stay hydrated — temperatures in Makkah can exceed 40°C during Hajj season.
Can I book a Hajj flight from the Philippines without an NCMF registration?
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 NCMF registration process.
Which airport do Filipino Hajj pilgrims depart from?
All NCMF-managed Hajj flights depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Manila.
How much does Hajj cost from the Philippines?
The total cost includes the mutawwif fee (approximately $3,160 in 2025) plus airfare ($350–$500+ one way). The NCMF-BPE publishes the confirmed mutawwif fee schedule each season — check their official channels for the 2026 rate.
What is the luggage-free Hajj program?
New for 2026, the “Hajj Without Luggage” program means your checked bags are collected at the airport upon arrival in Madinah and delivered directly to your hotel. You only need to carry hand luggage with essentials like your passport, medications, and a change of clothes.
Sources
- NCMF — Bureau of Pilgrimage and Endowment
- The Manila Times — Filipino Hajj pilgrims to benefit from ‘luggage-free’ program
- The Manila Times — NCMF issues advisory for NCR Hajj 2026 participants
- SDN — Saudi and Filipino Officials Send-off 820 Pilgrims at NAIA Terminal I
- The Traveler — Saudia Group Sets Ambitious Course for Hajj 2026
- Nusuk — Hajj Health Guidelines
- GACA — General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saudi Arabia
- The Milli Chronicle — Filipino Pilgrims Embark on Hajj After Years of Sacrifice and Saving
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.
