The Delhi Haj Committee has finalized the preparations for the Haj Operation 2026, marking a significant step for pilgrims from the national capital. Chairperson Kausar Jahan announced that the first group of pilgrims is scheduled to depart from the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on April 18, 2026. This announcement followed a comprehensive meeting aimed at ensuring that all necessary facilities and administrative protocols are in place for a smooth journey to Mecca and Madinah.
Flight Schedule and Estimated Package Costs
The flight operations for Indian pilgrims are divided into specific phases to manage the movement efficiently. Outbound flights to Madinah will operate from April 18 to May 4, 2026, while flights to Jeddah are scheduled between May 5 and May 19, 2026. The return journey for all pilgrims is expected to take place between June 1 and July 1, 2026. The total cost for the pilgrimage has also been estimated to help families plan their finances.
- Normal Package Cost: Estimated between ₹3,75,000 and ₹4,25,000 based on the embarkation point.
- Short Haj Package: A new 20-day option is available for 10,000 pilgrims, with prices starting from ₹6,19,999.
- Advance Payments: Selected pilgrims were required to pay an initial advance of ₹1,52,300.
- Total Quota: India has a total quota of 175,025 pilgrims for the 2026 season.
Mandatory Rules and Airport Facilities for Pilgrims
Authorities have emphasized strict adherence to eligibility and health criteria for the 2026 pilgrimage. All pilgrims must hold a valid machine-readable Indian International Passport valid until at least December 31, 2026. Additionally, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made the Nusuk Card mandatory for identification and access to all services during the stay. To assist the travelers, Delhi Airport is setting up dedicated infrastructure.
| Facility Type | Details Provided at IGI Airport |
|---|---|
| Check-in & Immigration | Dedicated check-in rows and additional immigration counters for pilgrims. |
| Staging Area | Exclusive air-conditioned staging area with prayer and wuzu facilities. |
| Mobility Support | Buggies available for senior citizens and passengers with reduced mobility. |
| Health & Safety | Mandatory two-stage medical screening and vaccinations like quadri-meningitis. |
Pilgrims aged 65 and above are required to travel with a companion, while children below 12 years are not eligible for the pilgrimage this year. For women aged 45 and above, travel in groups of four or more is permitted without a Mehram, provided their school of thought allows it. The Ministry of Minority Affairs continues to oversee the digitization of operations to ensure transparency and better service delivery for all citizens.
