Hajj 2026: First Departure on 22 April, Final Return on 1 July
Indonesia’s Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has revealed the planned schedule for the departure and return of Hajj pilgrims in 2026.
“The organisation of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage begins on 21 April with the first wave of pilgrims entering the dormitories. Departures are expected on 22 April up to the last on 21 May,” said Irfan during a press conference at the Bina Graha Building, Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday (15/4).
“We hope for some flexibility; we expect our President to have time to see off the first group of Hajj pilgrims on 22 April,” Irfan added.
Irfan stated that the return schedule for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in 2026 will begin on 1 June.
“The peak of Hajj is estimated for 25-26 April in Arafah. Then, the return operations begin on 1 June and, God willing, end on 1 July 2026. We have prepared 16 embarkation points, with new additions being Cipondoh and Yogyakarta,” said Irfan.
Furthermore, Irfan mentioned that four airports will use the fast-track system for 2026 Hajj pilgrims. With the fast-track system, Indonesian pilgrims can save time on immigration checks.
“Fast track is available at four airports: Soekarno-Hatta, Solo, Juanda, and Makassar. This fast track means Saudi immigration checks are conducted in Indonesia. So, upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, pilgrims can directly exit the airport to the bus without further checks at the Saudi airport,” said Irfan.
Overall, Irfan said that preparations for services for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in 2026 are nearly 100% complete.
“Hajj service preparations are almost 100% finished. The current stage is the final checking of all Hajj service operations. Accommodation for pilgrims in Mecca includes 177 hotels, and in Medina, there are 100 hotels.”
“Catering services in Mecca have 51 kitchens, and in Medina, 23 kitchens. Pilgrim transportation has also been prepared. For health, we are supported by 40 health clinics in Mecca and five health clinics in Medina,” said Irfan.