https://arab.news/23r3f
- First flights leave Madinah as pilgrims complete post-Hajj visits
- Saudi ports, airports mobilize to ensure smooth departures
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has begun the large-scale departure of pilgrims following the completion of Hajj 2026, with authorities across the Kingdom’s air, sea and land entry points implementing plans to ensure a smooth journey home, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The first departure flights carrying guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit left the holy city of Madinah after pilgrims completed Hajj rituals and visits to the Prophet’s Mosque.
The guests departed through Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport after what organizers described as a spiritually enriching journey that included prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, visits to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah and tours of historical and cultural landmarks in Makkah and Madinah.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, which oversees the program, said pilgrims also took part in educational, cultural and enrichment activities designed to deepen their understanding of Islam and showcase Saudi Arabia’s efforts in serving pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques.
More than 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj this year, according to figures released by the General Authority for Statistics. (SPA)
Many participants praised the Kingdom’s organization of the pilgrimage, citing the quality of accommodation, transportation, healthcare and logistical services provided throughout their stay.
They also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s leadership for hosting them under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program, which annually invites thousands of Muslims from around the world to perform Hajj at the Kingdom’s expense.
Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Passports said it had completed departure procedures for the first groups of pilgrims leaving through Jeddah Islamic Port and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
The directorate said it had mobilized personnel and resources across all border crossings to facilitate the departure process and ensure pilgrims could complete travel formalities efficiently.
More than 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj this year, according to figures released by the General Authority for Statistics. (SPA)
Authorities reaffirmed their readiness to handle departures through the Kingdom’s land, air and sea ports in the coming days, while urging pilgrims to adhere to their scheduled departure dates following the completion of Hajj rituals.
The departure phase marks the final stage of the annual pilgrimage season, during which Saudi authorities oversee the movement of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims returning to their home countries after completing Hajj and visiting Islam’s holy sites.
More than 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj this year, according to figures released by the General Authority for Statistics, including 1,546,655 pilgrims from abroad and 160,646 citizens and residents from within the Kingdom.
