Egypt’s Ministry of Interior on high alert for Hajj season; air bridge to transport 16,000 pilgrims

CAIRO – 15 May 2026: As part of ongoing efforts to monitor the pilgrims’ journey, the Assistant Minister of Interior for Administrative Affairs and Head of the Executive Body of the Ministerial Committee for Hajj revealed new details regarding the progress of the Hajj delegation in Saudi Arabia.

He announced that 16,464 pilgrims have arrived so far and are preparing to begin their Hajj rituals amid a comprehensive system of care and services.

The head of the Executive Body explained that the distribution of pilgrims across the Holy Lands is proceeding smoothly, with 3,645 pilgrims currently staying in Medina. They are scheduled to travel to Mecca in stages after spending five days in the city.

Meanwhile, Mecca has already received 12,819 pilgrims, who were immediately accommodated in hotels in the central area near the Grand Mosque, facilitating access for prayers and rituals.

The Assistant Minister of Interior confirmed that the air bridge between Egyptian and Saudi airports is operating around the clock to complete the transfer of the remaining pilgrims selected through the lottery system in the coming days.

The mission also maintains a strong field presence at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to address any obstacles and expedite entry procedures, ensuring pilgrims’ comfort.

Regarding the level of services provided this year, the report highlighted the success of the lottery mission in securing major contracts with leading Saudi transportation companies to provide a fleet of modern, air-conditioned buses equipped with the latest technology, including GPS tracking systems to monitor movements and ensure safe travel routes.

These facilitations extend beyond transportation to include pilgrims’ overall comfort. An agreement has been reached with a specialized company to handle baggage transfers directly from accommodations to airports, relieving pilgrims — especially the elderly — of this burden and ensuring a smooth return journey following the completion of the Hajj rituals.