The UAE’s 6,228 approved Hajj pilgrims for 2026 will fly to Jeddah and Madinah on a handful of airlines operating special Hajj services from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. 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.
Hajj 2026 Return Flight Schedule
The post-Hajj departure phase opened on May 30, 2026, and runs through June 30, 2026, under the GACA Hajj flight operation timeframe. This is the Kingdom-wide window during which all carriers fly pilgrims home from Saudi Arabia.
Your exact return date within this window is assigned by your Awqaf-accredited Hajj operator, not chosen freely. As a general rule, pilgrims who arrived first in Madinah usually fly home from Jeddah, while those who arrived first in Jeddah depart from Madinah.
| Country/Region | Return window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia — overall (GACA) | May 30 – June 30, 2026 | Kingdom-wide return window for all carriers and countries |
| UAE pilgrims | Within May 30 – June 30, 2026 | Exact date set by your Awqaf-accredited Hajj operator; most fly back to DXB, AUH or SHJ |
| Jeddah (JED) departures | Within May 30 – June 30, 2026 | Used mainly by pilgrims who arrived first in Madinah |
| Madinah (MED) departures | Within May 30 – June 30, 2026 | Used mainly by pilgrims who arrived first in Jeddah |
Return services are flown by the same Hajj carriers as the outbound leg, including Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, Saudia and flynas. Most UAE pilgrims land back at Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH) or Sharjah (SHJ).
On the return leg, each passenger may carry one sealed 5-liter bottle of Zamzam water at no extra cost. Confirm your assigned flight and reporting time with your Hajj operator, as departure dates are fixed per group.
Airlines operating Hajj flights from the UAE
Several airlines operate Hajj flights from the UAE to Saudi Arabia. Most UAE-based pilgrims travel through packages arranged by accredited Hajj operators, which include flights as part of the package. Here are the key carriers:
Emirates
Emirates operates daily direct flights from Dubai to both Jeddah and Madinah, with additional Hajj-specific flights added during the pilgrimage season.
- Dubai to Jeddah: Daily departures at approximately 3:30 PM, arriving at 5:45 PM (3 hours 15 minutes). Fares start from AED 700.
- Dubai to Madinah: Departures at approximately 2:10 PM, arriving at 4:00 PM (2 hours 50 minutes). Fares start from AED 700.
Emirates also offers special Hajj services, including Hajj kits for all cabin classes (with prayer beads, prayer mat, non-slip socks, and a water bottle), Ihram announcements when entering Al Miqat zones, and a specialist Hajj team at Dubai International Airport to assist transiting pilgrims.
GCC nationals booked on Emirates’ dedicated Hajj flights must hold a valid Hajj permit (Tasreeh). Regular scheduled flights to Jeddah and Madinah are open to all visa types.
flydubai
flydubai operates scheduled flights from Dubai to Jeddah, Madinah, Taif, and Yanbu. During Hajj season, flydubai’s travel requirements vary by visa type and nationality:
- GCC nationals with a Hajj permit can fly to Jeddah, Madinah, Taif, and Yanbu — but not to other Saudi destinations.
- Non-GCC nationals with a Hajj visa follow the same rule.
- All flydubai flights arrive at and depart from Terminal 1 at Jeddah Airport (not the Hajj Terminal).
Each passenger returning from Saudi Arabia can carry one 5-liter bottle of Zamzam water at no extra cost.
Saudia and flynas
Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, is the largest operator during Hajj season — deploying over 150 aircraft across 100+ global destinations. flynas also operates high-frequency routes between the UAE and Jeddah/Madinah.
Both airlines are commonly included in Hajj packages offered by UAE-accredited operators.
Hajj flight ticket prices from the UAE
Individual flight tickets from the UAE to Jeddah or Madinah start from around AED 700 one way on Emirates, though prices rise sharply closer to the Hajj dates. However, most UAE pilgrims do not book flights separately.
Hajj packages from the UAE
The vast majority of UAE pilgrims travel through all-inclusive Hajj packages arranged by accredited operators. These packages bundle flights, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, ground transportation, meals, and guidance.
| Package tier | Estimated cost (AED) | Typical inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Economy / Standard | 18,000 – 30,000 | 3-star hotels, group transport, shared meals |
| Premium | 30,000 – 55,000 | 4-star hotels, half-board meals, Zone 1 Mina tents |
| VIP / Luxury | 55,000 – 75,000+ | 5-star hotels near Haram, private transport, Category A tents |
Prices vary based on hotel proximity to the Haram, flight carrier, and duration of stay. Check with your accredited Hajj operator for the latest package offerings.
How to book Hajj flights from the UAE
UAE citizens and residents cannot simply book a Hajj flight and show up in Makkah. Hajj travel from the UAE requires registration, approval, and booking through an accredited operator. For a full walkthrough of the registration process, see our Hajj registration from UAE guide.
Key steps
- Register through the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf) digital channels. The UAE received over 72,000 applications for just 6,228 allocated spots in 2026.
- If selected, you will be notified via SMS and must complete required procedures — including health checks and vaccinations.
- Join a registered Hajj campaign (operator). Only Awqaf-accredited operators are authorized to organize pilgrimages from the UAE.
- Your operator handles the Hajj visa, flight booking, accommodation, and ground logistics.
If you were not selected this year, your application automatically rolls over to the 1448 AH (2027) sorting — no resubmission needed.
Health requirements and travel tips
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) requires all Hajj pilgrims to complete mandatory vaccinations — including the meningococcal and seasonal influenza vaccines — before departure. For the full list of required and recommended vaccinations, eligibility criteria, and medical exclusions, see our dedicated Hajj vaccine requirements guide.
Pilgrims with severe chronic conditions or women in the final two months of pregnancy may not be cleared for travel. Check with your healthcare provider and visit a vaccination center well in advance — meningococcal vaccines must be taken at least 10 days before departure.
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 the UAE without a Hajj package?
Technically, 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 UAE citizens, the only legal way to perform Hajj is through an Awqaf-accredited operator.
Which airlines operate Hajj flights from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah?
Etihad Airways operates flights from Abu Dhabi to Jeddah and Madinah. Air Arabia operates from Sharjah. Both carriers are commonly included in Hajj packages alongside Emirates, flydubai, Saudia, and flynas.
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. Emirates allows up to 5 liters in addition to your regular checked baggage allowance.
What happens if I wasn’t selected for Hajj 2026 from the UAE?
Your application automatically transfers to the sorting for Hajj 1448 AH (2027). You do not need to resubmit or take any additional action, according to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat.
Sources
- Emirates — Traveling for Hajj and Umrah with Emirates
- flydubai — Travelling to/from Saudi Arabia during Umrah/Hajj season
- Khaleej Times — UAE approves names of 6,228 pilgrims to perform Hajj in 2026
- Khaleej Times — Hajj 2026: UAE launches new system aimed at improving service for pilgrims
- Khaleej Times — Hajj 2026: UAE pilgrims reminded of vaccination, health check-ups
- The National — Thousands of Emiratis prepare to take part in Hajj pilgrimage this month
- UAE Government Portal — Travelling abroad for Hajj and Umrah
- GACA — Hajj 2026 Flight Operation Timeframe
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.
