Türkiye’s 84,942 approved Hajj pilgrims for 2026 will fly to Jeddah and Madinah primarily on Turkish Airlines, along with several other carriers operating from Istanbul and other major Turkish cities. With Hajj 2026 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.
The Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı (Presidency of Religious Affairs) publishes individual caravan and flight details on hac.gov.tr, where selected pilgrims can look up their assigned departure dates and flight plans.
Hajj 2026 Return Flight Schedule
The post-Hajj departure phase opened on May 30, 2026 and runs through June 30, 2026 under the GACA timeframe. Each country’s Hajj authority assigns specific return dates within this window, and pilgrims who arrived first in Madinah typically depart from Jeddah, and vice versa.
For Türkiye, the Diyanet organizes return travel in staggered caravans, with the first groups arriving home around May 31 and the final groups by late June. Most pilgrims fly back on Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines charters from Jeddah (JED) and Madinah (MED).
| Country/Region | Return window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia — overall (GACA) | May 30 – June 30, 2026 | Kingdom-wide return window for all carriers and countries, including Saudia and flynas |
| Türkiye pilgrims (Diyanet groups) | Within May 30 – June 30 (first arrivals ~May 31, final by late June) | Diyanet assigns staggered group return dates; pilgrims notified via official channels and caravan officials |
| Jeddah (JED) / Madinah (MED) departures | May 30 – June 30, 2026 | Madinah-first pilgrims usually return via Jeddah and vice versa |
Exact flight numbers and times are confirmed through the Diyanet and caravan officials, so pilgrims should monitor hac.gov.tr for their assigned return details.
Airlines operating Hajj flights from Türkiye
Several airlines operate Hajj flights from Türkiye to Saudi Arabia. Most Turkish pilgrims travel through the Diyanet’s official Hajj organization, which assigns flights as part of the package. Here are the key carriers:
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines is the primary carrier for Hajj flights from Türkiye, operating scheduled and charter services from Istanbul Airport (IST) to both Jeddah and Madinah.
- Istanbul to Jeddah: Direct flights averaging 3 hours 45 minutes. Turkish Airlines operates 42 nonstop flights per week on this route, with one-way fares starting from approximately $328 (around 15,250 TL).
- Istanbul to Madinah: Direct flights averaging 3 hours 30 minutes.
Turkish Airlines also offers a complimentary stopover in Istanbul for eligible connecting passengers — one night at a 4-star hotel in economy class, or two nights at a 5-star hotel in business class.
Pegasus Airlines
Pegasus Airlines operates flights from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Jeddah, offering a budget-friendly alternative. Pegasus runs 11 nonstop flights and 67 connecting flights per week on this route.
As a low-cost carrier, Pegasus typically offers lower base fares but charges separately for baggage, seat selection, and meals.
Saudia and flynas
Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, is the largest overall operator during Hajj season — deploying over 160 aircraft across 145 global destinations. Saudia operates direct flights between Istanbul and Jeddah.
flynas also operates high-frequency routes between Istanbul and Jeddah, with 12 nonstop flights and 174 connecting flights per week from both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW).
Both airlines are commonly included in Hajj packages and Diyanet-organized caravans.
Hajj flight ticket prices from Türkiye
Individual flight tickets from Istanbul to Jeddah start from approximately $328 one way on Turkish Airlines, though prices rise sharply closer to the Hajj dates. However, most Turkish pilgrims do not book flights separately.
Diyanet Hajj packages from Türkiye
The vast majority of Turkish pilgrims travel through the Diyanet’s official Hajj organization, which bundles flights, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, ground transportation, breakfast and dinner, and guidance. Prices are set in Saudi Riyal (SAR) and paid in Turkish Lira at the current exchange rate.
| Package type | Cost per person (SAR) | Typical inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Normal — 4-person room | 26,000 SAR (~$6,933) | Hotels 5–8 km from Haram, flights, breakfast & dinner, up to 45-day stay |
| Normal — 3-person room | 27,750 SAR | Same as above with more room space |
| Normal — 2-person room | 29,750 SAR | Same as above with private twin room |
| Yakın Mesafe (premium) — 2-person room | 47,500 – 90,000 SAR | Hotels within 1,250 m of Haram, 4–5 star, open buffet meals, 13–25 day stay |
Payments can be made to designated banks in Turkish Lira at the current exchange rate and split into up to 3 installments. The initial registration fee is 950 TL.
Lottery-free Hajj (Kurasız Hac)
For those who do not wish to wait in the lottery queue, private tour operators offer lottery-free Hajj packages starting from approximately $25,500 per person. These are significantly more expensive but guarantee a spot without entering the weighted draw.
Check with Diyanet’s Hajj and Umrah portal or accredited private operators for the latest offerings.
How to book Hajj flights from Türkiye
Turkish citizens cannot simply book a Hajj flight and travel independently to Makkah. Hajj travel from Türkiye requires registration, lottery selection, and booking through the Diyanet’s official organization or an accredited private operator.
Key steps
- Register through the e-Devlet (e-Government) portal. Registration opens annually in August–September. For 2026, nearly 1.8 million people applied for just 84,942 spots.
- Wait for the weighted lottery draw, held in November at the Diyanet Conference Hall in Ankara under notary supervision. The weighted system — in place for 15 years — squares the number of years you have waited, giving long-time applicants significantly higher odds.
- If selected, results are published on e-Devlet. You must then complete required procedures — including health checks, vaccinations, and payment to designated banks.
- The Diyanet assigns your caravan (kafile), flight schedule, and accommodation. You can check your details on hac.gov.tr.
If you were not selected this year, your registration carries over to the next year’s draw — no resubmission needed. However, you must renew your registration through e-Devlet during the annual renewal window (typically August–September) to remain eligible.
Health requirements and travel tips
Saudi Arabia requires all Hajj pilgrims to complete mandatory vaccinations before departure. The key requirement is the quadrivalent meningococcal (ACYW) vaccine, which must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. To learn more about vaccination details, please refer to our detailed guide on Hajj 2026 Vaccine and Health Requirements.
Practical tips for your journey
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
- Carry copies of your 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 Türkiye without a Diyanet 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 Turkish citizens, the primary legal route to perform Hajj is through the Diyanet’s official organization or an accredited private operator.
Which airports in Türkiye operate Hajj flights?
The main departure point is Istanbul Airport (IST), with additional flights from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). The Diyanet organizes caravans departing from cities across Türkiye, with connecting flights through Istanbul. Check hac.gov.tr for your assigned departure airport.
How much Zamzam water can I bring back on my return flight?
The Diyanet Hajj package includes 5 liters of Zamzam water per pilgrim at no extra cost. Most airlines allow one sealed 5-liter bottle as a separate checked item in addition to your regular baggage allowance.
What happens if I wasn’t selected in the 2026 Hajj lottery?
Your registration carries over to the next year’s draw. However, you must renew your registration through the e-Devlet portal during the annual registration window (typically August–September). The weighted system increases your odds each year you remain registered.
Sources
- GACA — Hajj 2026 Flight Operation Timeframe
- Daily Sabah — Over 1.6 million renew registrations for 2026 Hajj in Türkiye
- Expat Guide Turkey — 2026 Hajj Lottery: 1.8 Million Candidates Await
- Turkish Airlines — Flights to Jeddah
- CNN Türk — Diyanet Hac Parası 2026 Konaklama Ücretleri
- Nusuk — Hajj Health Guidelines
- Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı — Hac ve Umre Hizmetleri Genel Müdürlüğü
- World Population Review — Hajj Quota by Country 2026
- Takvim — Diyanet 2026 Hac Dönüş Takvimi
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Airline policies, flight schedules, and ticket prices are subject to change at short notice. The information in this article was accurate at the time of writing, but we recommend checking the official Turkish Airlines website and the Diyanet Hajj and Umrah portal for the latest updates before you travel. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
