Uzbekistan Opens 2026 Hajj Season with First Flight to Medina

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan officially opened the Hajj 2026 season on 2 May at 15:10 local time with the departure of the first flight carrying pilgrims from Tashkent to Medina, Saudi Arabia, according to aviation and organizing authorities involved in the program.

Under the Hajj 2026 program, a total of 70 flights are planned from nine cities across the country. Overall, 15,130 pilgrims are expected to be transported during the season. The largest number of participants will depart from Tashkent, where 23 flights are scheduled for 5,392 people.

In addition to the capital, direct flights are organized from regional airports. Namangan is set to operate seven flights carrying 1,890 pilgrims. Andijan will see 10 flights with 1,725 passengers, while Fergana is scheduled for 10 flights transporting 1,710 participants. Further departures include Bukhara with three flights for 1,078 pilgrims, Samarkand with three flights for 900 people, Termez with five flights for 882 pilgrims, Karshi with five flights for 833 pilgrims, and Urgench with four flights for 720 pilgrims.

All flights operate on the Tashkent–Medina route. The organization of pilgrim departures includes centralized registration, required security and inspection procedures, and escort to departure zones. Airports have been equipped with waiting facilities, including rest areas and the provision of refreshments for passengers.

According to responsible agencies, Uzbekistan Airports, together with relevant government bodies, is coordinating all processes related to pilgrim departures to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of flights throughout the Hajj season.