Umrah Flights Between Egypt and Saudi Arabia Back to Normal: Latest Updates (October 2026)

Last updated: 21 October 2026

On 18 October, we wrote about the delays to Umrah flights between Egypt and Saudi Arabia following disruptions at some Saudi airports. Since then, new statements from within Egypt’s religious tourism sector indicate that flights have returned to normal. In this update, we set out exactly what was said, by whom, what hasn’t changed, and what you should do if you’re traveling in the coming weeks.

What happened?

On 20 October 2026, Walid Khalil, Deputy Head of the Religious Tourism Committee at the Chamber of Travel Agencies, told newspaper Al-Dostor that flights returning Egyptian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia are operating regularly and that the pace of Umrah flights is as usual. He explained that there was "limited confusion" in some flights over the course of about a day, after which air traffic returned to normal. He added that neither outbound nor return journeys had significant issues, and that Jeddah and Madinah airports—the main terminals for Umrah flights—are working as normal.

A day earlier, newspaper Al-Wafd (19 October 2026) published opinions from industry insiders. Dr. Wael Zaeir, a member of the Egyptian Federation of Tourism Chambers, said Umrah flights were operating without cancellations. He attributed the delays and congestion at Jeddah and Madinah airports to disruptions at other Saudi airports, including Riyadh, Abha, and Dammam. He noted that some flights to and from Egypt experienced limited postponements, but booking confirmations continue with the same usual procedures.

However, not everyone has the same experience. Ahmed Abdel-Gawad, General Assembly Member at the Chamber, told the same paper that some cancellations have indeed occurred due to regional tensions, but the situation is now "relatively calm." Meanwhile, Mohamed El-Gendy, another General Assembly Member, said that his company’s flights from Cairo and Borg El-Arab airports had gone ahead without problems.

This follows a statement from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on 13 October announcing round-the-clock monitoring of Umrah flights, with Minister Sherif Fathy ordering increased onsite checks by ministry committees (Al-Ahram Gate). According to Walid Khalil, these committees are still present at Cairo Airport, King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah, and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah. In addition, field committees are stationed in Makkah and Madinah, each joined by Chamber of Travel Agencies representatives, to track Umrah pilgrims, their accommodations, and record complaints.

What does this mean for you?

Umrah continues and regulations are unchanged

Wael Zaeir said no decisions or official statements have been issued by the Egyptian or Saudi authorities changing the season’s guidelines or suspending flights. As of writing, we also have not found any such official announcement. If you have booked your Package with a licensed agency, it will be conducted under the same rules it was booked with.

“Regular” does not mean “no delays at all”

These latest statements from travel agency representatives are reassuring. However, they do not eliminate the possibility of a particular flight being delayed. One respondent mentioned cancellations, and another indicated that the "full picture is not yet clear." For this reason, it remains necessary to monitor your flight schedule all the way up to travel day.

If you’re considering Umrah for Rajab, Sha’ban, or Ramadan

These are peak seasons and views on them differ. Mohamed El-Gendy believes demand remains strong and isn’t worried about bookings. Ahmad Abdel-Gawad fears that if tensions persist, their effects could last into those periods. Yasser Sultan, a former member of the Supreme Hajj and Umrah Committee, said continued calm would limit any impact, but more disruption could lead to visible effects. He advised agencies not to pay large hotel deposits for Sha’ban and Ramadan before travel arrangements are confirmed.

The official season dates have not changed. According to the 1448H Umrah season calendar published by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (SPA, 17 May 2026): final date for issuing Umrah visas is 1 Shawwal 1448H (9 March 2027), the last entry date for pilgrims is 15 Shawwal (23 March 2027), and the final departure date is 30 Shawwal (7 April 2027).

What should you do?

1. If you are traveling in the next few days: Ask your agency for your flight number and time, and check its status on the airline’s website or app the day before your journey, and again on the morning of travel.
2. Request any schedule changes in writing: The Ministry of Tourism has told agencies to notify pilgrims of any travel changes as soon as possible. If your date is changed, ask for the new schedule in writing via WhatsApp.
3. If booking for Rajab, Sha’ban, or Ramadan: Before paying, ask your agency: Which airline is used? What are the arrival and return airports? What happens if your trip is postponed or canceled? Ask to see these answers written into your contract or receipt.
4. Book only with a licensed agency: Make sure the agency is registered with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, as official Packages are monitored by ministry and Chamber committees who also receive complaints.
5. If you face a problem now in Saudi Arabia: First, contact the company’s representative, then approach the ministry’s committees stationed in Makkah, Madinah, and at airports.

If you are still considering your Package, you can compare Umrah Packages from different agencies on 4Safar, including the airline and arrival airport for each Package before booking. And if your flight is via Jeddah, also see our article on transferring North Terminal flights at Jeddah Airport to Terminal 4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Umrah flights from Egypt currently running on schedule?

According to Walid Khalil, Deputy Head of the Religious Tourism Committee at the Chamber of Travel Agencies (Al-Dostor, 20 October 2026), yes. Umrah flights are running at usual levels, and any disruption that took place was limited and lasted about a day. However, always check your individual flight times up to your departure.

Have the Umrah season regulations changed due to recent events?

No. According to Wael Zaeir, member of the Egyptian Federation of Tourism Chambers (Al-Wafd, 19 October 2026), no official decision has been made in Egypt or Saudi Arabia to alter the regulations or suspend flights. We have also not found any such official announcement.

Are Jeddah and Madinah airports operating?

Yes. On 20 October 2026, Walid Khalil confirmed that Jeddah and Madinah airports are functioning normally. The previous congestion at these airports was linked to disruptions at other Saudi airports.

Should I book Umrah for Rajab or Ramadan now, or wait?

It’s your decision. Demand for these seasons is still strong according to some agency owners, while others are concerned about ongoing tensions. If you choose to book, make sure you understand the postponement and cancellation policies, and get them in writing.

What is the last date for Umrah in the 1448H season?

According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (SPA, 17 May 2026): the last date for issuing visas is 9 March 2027, the final date for arrival is 23 March 2027, and the last date for departure is 7 April 2027.

What should I do if my return flight from Saudi Arabia is delayed?

Contact your company’s representative first. The Ministry of Tourism has directed agencies to update pilgrims on any schedule changes promptly. Their committees are stationed at Jeddah and Madinah airports and in Makkah and Madinah to assist pilgrims and receive complaints.

Sources

• Walid Khalil’s statements on Umrah flight regularity: Al-Dostor, 20 October 2026
• Travel agency owners’ views on the season: Al-Wafd, 19 October 2026
• Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities statement on Umrah monitoring: Al-Ahram Gate, 13 October 2026 and Al-Watan, 13 October 2026
• 1448H Umrah season calendar: Saudi Press Agency (SPA), 17 May 2026

Cover image: Worshippers at the King Abdulaziz Gate of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah (April 2023), photo by Indonesiagood, via Wikimedia Commons, under CC BY 4.0 license.