Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has commenced its Hajj 2026 operations, marking the arrival of the first flight carrying pilgrims to the Kingdom.
Flight SV5807 arrived
at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah from Dhaka, carrying 376
pilgrims.
For the 2026 season,
Saudia has allocated more than one million seats across its domestic and
international network, supported by a fleet of 160 aircraft dedicated to Hajj
operations.
The airline will serve
pilgrims from 145 destinations worldwide, leveraging its full operational and
technical capabilities.
Saudia’s Hajj
operational plan spans 75 days across both arrival and departure phases,
facilitating the movement of pilgrims from around the world.
The airline expects to
serve more than 179,000 pilgrims through the “Makkah Route” initiative, while
the “Luggage First” service is set to handle approximately 330,000 bags.
Saleh Al-Jasser,
Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, and Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director
General of Saudia Group, welcomed the flight alongside senior officials from
across the Hajj ecosystem, underscoring the Kingdom’s continued commitment to
enhancing the pilgrimage experience.
Al-Omar said: “Serving pilgrims
is a national priority, and Saudia plays an integral role within a broader
ecosystem dedicated to this mission. In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, we
continue to advance initiatives that enhance the Hajj journey.”
The operation is
supported by a comprehensive suite of integrated services, delivered in close
coordination with relevant entities to ensure a seamless and efficient journey.
Saudia continues to
offer a range of services tailored to pilgrims, including the issuance of
boarding passes for both arrival and return flights at international departure
points.
Onboard, services are
designed to support pilgrims throughout their journey.
These include Miqat
announcements made 30 minutes prior to crossing, the broadcast of Talbiyah, and
a dedicated inflight channel featuring educational content on Hajj and Umrah
rituals, alongside catering options tailored to diverse preferences. -TradeArabia News Service