Egyptian Pilgrims start returning home from Mecca after performing Hajj

CAIRO – 29 May 2026: The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, represented by the Central Administration for Tourism Companies, announced the departure of the first flights carrying Egyptian pilgrims from Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Friday. 

Eight flights carrying a total of 476 pilgrims departed Friday, marking the start of the repatriation process following the completion of this year's Hajj rituals.

The return flights are scheduled to continue until mid-June, according to a plan that takes into account the distribution of departures between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina.

Ms. Samia Sami, Assistant Minister for Tourism Companies Affairs, Head of the Egyptian Tourist Hajj Affairs Office, and Chair of the Supreme Committee for Umrah and Hajj, stated that the mission has deployed field committees at departure airports across the Kingdom to oversee and facilitate the departure of tourist pilgrims. She noted that approximately 35,000 tourist pilgrims are expected to return as part of the overall repatriation process.

She explained that these committees are responsible for assisting pilgrims, monitoring travel procedures, and addressing any challenges they may encounter until they safely return home, thereby ensuring a smooth and comfortable travel experience.

Ms. Sami also noted that corresponding committees have been assigned to receive pilgrims upon arrival at Cairo International Airport and other airports nationwide, helping to expedite arrival procedures. These efforts are carried out within the framework of continuous, around-the-clock coordination among all mission committees.

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities continues to coordinate closely with all relevant authorities to monitor the return of tourist pilgrims until the final group arrives home safely. These efforts form part of a comprehensive system designed to serve pilgrims and facilitate every stage of their journey, from departure to their safe return to Egypt.