For Muslims around the world, Hajj and Umrah represent far more than a physical journey. Travelling to the holy city of Makkah and the sacred Kaaba is considered a deeply emotional and spiritual experience centered on repentance, devotion, and seeking closeness to Allah.

However, despite the significance of the pilgrimage, many first-time travelers encounter challenges due to a lack of preparation or guidance. Religious scholars and experienced pilgrims say careful planning can make the journey more organized, comfortable, and spiritually rewarding.

Here are 15 important recommendations for pilgrims preparing for Hajj or Umrah:

1. Choose an Experienced Religious Guide

Pilgrims, particularly first-timers, are advised to travel under the supervision of a knowledgeable and experienced Muallim or guide familiar with the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. Experts warn that inadequate guidance can create confusion regarding religious obligations.

2. Verify the Travel Agency

Travelers using private Hajj services should ensure the agency is licensed and affiliated with the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB). Pilgrims are also encouraged to review previous customer experiences and visit agency offices directly to confirm hotel distance from the Haram, package costs, and assigned guides.

Authorities further advise pilgrims to verify Hajj registration information through official SMS confirmation and the government portal at:
Bangladesh Hajj Portal

3. Select Packages Carefully

Package prices can vary significantly, largely depending on hotel proximity to Masjid al-Haram. Hotels located closer to the mosque are generally more expensive. Pilgrims with health limitations or difficulty walking may prefer nearby accommodation, while others may opt for more affordable hotels farther away.

4. Manage Saudi Riyals Wisely

Pilgrims are encouraged to carry necessary Saudi currency without exchanging excessive amounts at once. Exchange services are widely available in Makkah and Madinah, though rates may differ. Many travelers also rely on trusted expatriates for currency exchange. Keeping money in a secure neck pouch or waist bag is strongly recommended.

5. Organize Bags and Footwear Properly

Experts suggest carrying:

• A small pouch for passports, money, and important documents
• A lightweight shoulder bag for prayer mats, umbrellas, and water bottles
• Minimal luggage inside the Haram to avoid security restrictions

6. Purchase SIM Cards Early

Travelers planning short Umrah visits are advised to buy Saudi SIM cards at the beginning of their trip to avoid costly recharge fees later. Many packages include local talk time and internet access.

7. Prepare for Getting Lost

Pilgrims should:

• Save fellow travelers’ phone numbers
• Carry hotel cards at all times
• Contact their group immediately if separated

8. Carry Essential Supplies

Recommended items include fragrance-free soap, tissues, lotion, umbrellas, folding prayer mats, reusable water containers, razors, and compact travel bags.

9. Bring Necessary Medication

Pilgrims are encouraged to bring personal medicines from their home country, along with basic first-aid supplies that may also help fellow travelers.

10. Separate Luggage by Purpose

Travel experts recommend using:

• Checked baggage for heavy items
• Hand luggage for essential belongings
• A small bag for documents and valuables

11. Understand Ihram Timing

Pilgrims travelling directly to Jeddah or Makkah must enter Ihram before crossing designated Miqat boundaries. Scholars advise delaying the formal intention of Ihram until flight confirmation to avoid unnecessary hardship caused by delays.

12. Prepare for Mina

Pilgrims staying in Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat should pack lightly due to extensive walking and outdoor conditions. Only essential items, water, and dry food are recommended during these stages.

13. Collect Pebbles in Muzdalifah

Pilgrims should gather approximately 70 pebbles in Muzdalifah for the symbolic stoning ritual at Jamarat. Small mats or bedding sheets are also recommended for the overnight outdoor stay.

14. Avoid Large Bags at Jamarat

Authorities often restrict large bags near the stoning area. Pilgrims are advised to carry only small pouches containing the required pebbles.

15. Special Allowances for Women, Elderly, and Sick Pilgrims

Islamic scholars note that women, elderly individuals, and people with illnesses may receive certain concessions during Hajj rituals, including:

• Using wheelchairs during Tawaf
• Exemption from brisk walking rituals
• Flexible arrangements for Mina and Muzdalifah stays
• Combining stoning rituals on selected days
• Completing certain rituals in advance where permitted

Religious experts say thoughtful preparation, physical readiness, and proper guidance can significantly reduce stress during Hajj and Umrah, allowing pilgrims to focus more fully on worship and spiritual reflection.

Qatar Airways has clarified the details of its current summer promotional campaign following customer inquiries about fare discounts and pricing information circulating on social media and other publications.

In a statement posted on its official social media channels, the airline said the offers are available through all authorised booking channels, including Qatar Airways sales offices, accredited travel agencies in Qatar and the airline's official website.

Under the promotion, passengers can receive discounts of up to 20% on First and Business Class fares and up to 25% on Economy Class tickets.

Privilege Club members are also eligible to earn a 50% bonus in Avios points on all ticket types booked under the campaign.

The airline said the promotional fares are available for bookings made until July 30, 2026, with travel valid through December 10, 2026, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Qatar Airways also advised customers to rely on its official communication channels for accurate information on fares and promotional offers, including its website, sales offices, authorised travel agents and accredited airline representatives.

Source: ZAWYA

Gulf Air has announced plans to introduce direct flights between Bahrain and Kuala Lumpur following confirmation that the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4.

The Bahraini flag carrier said the proposed route will strengthen air links between Bahrain and Malaysia while providing motorsport fans with a convenient travel option to attend the race.

As the title sponsor of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the airline welcomed Malaysia's role as host of the 2026 event and said the new service would further enhance connectivity between the two countries while offering passengers easier access to the championship weekend.

Gulf Air noted that its partnership with Formula 1 began in 2004, when Bahrain hosted the first Grand Prix in the Arabian Gulf, marking more than two decades of collaboration with the sport.

A spokesperson for the airline said the planned Kuala Lumpur route reflects Gulf Air's commitment to supporting the event while showcasing Bahrain's hospitality to international travellers.

Founded in 1950, Gulf Air was the first national carrier established in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The airline currently serves more than 50 destinations across the GCC, Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Indian subcontinent.

Gulf Air was recognised as a Five-Star Major Airline by APEX for 2026 and operates a fleet of 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 34 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.

Source: TradeArabia News Service

Aerolíneas Argentinas has announced plans to add 20 new aircraft to its fleet, launching its largest fleet renewal programme in a decade as the state-owned airline seeks to modernise its operations.

The carrier said the expansion, scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2031, will be financed entirely through its own resources. The programme is expected to renew around a quarter of the airline's total fleet and approximately 60% of its long-haul aircraft.

At the Farnborough International Airshow, Aerolíneas Argentinas formalised leasing agreements for 14 aircraft, comprising six Airbus A330neo widebody jets and eight Boeing 737 MAX 10 narrowbody aircraft.

The remaining six aircraft in the programme will be Boeing 737 MAX 8s. Two have already been contracted, while agreements for the other four are currently being finalised.

The first aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, is expected to join the fleet in early 2027, with deliveries of the Airbus A330neo scheduled to begin in the first half of 2028.

Chief Executive Officer Fabián Lombardo said the agreements signed at the Farnborough Airshow demonstrate the aviation industry's confidence in the airline.

He added that the fleet renewal plan reflects a long-term strategy focused on improving operational efficiency, strengthening profitability and supporting the carrier's future growth.

Source: QCAA

Airbus has completed the first test flight of its A350-1000ULR aircraft developed for Qantas' Project Sunrise programme, a milestone in the airline's plans to introduce the world's longest non-stop commercial passenger services.

The aircraft departed Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in southern France at 7:33 a.m. local time on Thursday and landed in Melbourne on Friday after covering nearly 17,000 kilometres (10,560 miles) in approximately 19 hours without stopping.

The flight represents the first full-scale operational test for Project Sunrise, under which Qantas plans to launch direct flights from Sydney to London and New York in 2027.

Airbus said the aircraft had already completed an earlier certification flight before beginning a two-month test campaign designed to validate a series of modifications for ultra-long-haul operations.

Among the key upgrades is an additional rear centre fuel tank that extends the aircraft's range by around 1,000 nautical miles, enabling flights of up to 22 hours. The manufacturer will also certify a lighter galley cooling system while assessing cabin ventilation and temperature management during extended flights.

Once introduced, the Sydney-London route is expected to become the world's longest non-stop commercial passenger service, surpassing Singapore Airlines' New York-Singapore flight, which covers approximately 15,349 kilometres (9,537 miles) in about 18 hours and 40 minutes.

Unlike Singapore Airlines' A350-900ULR, which is configured with only business and premium economy seating to reduce weight, the Qantas A350-1000ULR will feature a four-class cabin and accommodate significantly more passengers.

French broadcaster BFM TV reported that around 2.7 million people followed the Toulouse-to-Melbourne flight live on flight-tracking platform Flightradar24.

Only nine people were on board the aircraft, including four Airbus test pilots and five flight-test engineers. The aircraft also carried five tonnes of specialised testing equipment to monitor performance, onboard systems and fuel consumption throughout the journey.

Following the completion of the test programme, Airbus will install Qantas' commercial cabin before delivering the aircraft. Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft for Project Sunrise, alongside 12 standard A350-1000s for its long-haul fleet.

Source: QCAA

Boeing finished ahead of Airbus in aircraft orders announced at this year's Farnborough International Airshow, although overall deal activity remained subdued as manufacturers concentrated on easing production constraints and delivering record order backlogs.

According to a Reuters tally, Boeing recorded 173 firm and provisional aircraft orders during the event, while Airbus secured 154 commitments, giving the two manufacturers a combined total of 327 aircraft.

After excluding transactions that had already been included in manufacturers' order books without initially identifying customers, including Boeing's share of a major lessor agreement, the adjusted total stood at 218 aircraft.

The figures broadly matched industry expectations of just over 300 orders but fell well below some forecasts that had projected as many as 800 aircraft. Although slightly higher than the total announced at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, the order volume remained far below the 1,109 aircraft recorded at the 2018 event.

Analysts said the quieter order activity reflects a changing industry landscape, with manufacturers focusing on increasing production rather than pursuing large order announcements.

"I didn't have high expectations of big commercial orders at the show, not particularly because of the current macro or geopolitical climate, but because a lot of large orders are already out there," airline analyst John Strickland said.

Airbus and Boeing continue to grapple with supply chain disruptions, labour shortages and manufacturing challenges that have pushed delivery schedules well into the next decade.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Stephanie Pope said customer demand remains strong, noting that production capacity, rather than demand, is the industry's biggest challenge.

Airbus used the event to showcase its A350-1000 as it studies a potential stretched version of the aircraft to compete with Boeing's delayed 777X programme. Boeing, meanwhile, did not display any of its main commercial aircraft models, three of which are currently undergoing certification.

The largest commercial transaction announced during the airshow came from SMBC Aviation Capital, the world's second-largest aircraft lessor, which placed an order for 200 single-aisle aircraft equally split between the two manufacturers. The company ordered 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 100 Airbus A320neo Family jets.

The agreement highlighted continued strong demand for narrowbody aircraft despite limited delivery slots and ongoing supply chain bottlenecks. Other notable deals included widebody aircraft purchases by Riyadh Air and Philippine Airlines from both Airbus and Boeing, while leasing company AerCap expanded its Boeing 787 order book.

Brazilian manufacturer Embraer also secured orders for 50 aircraft, including 20 freighters.

Beyond aircraft sales, CFM International announced a record order for more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to power 500 Airbus aircraft previously ordered by IndiGo, underscoring sustained demand for next-generation engines.

The global engine manufacturing sector continues to face pressure from spare parts shortages and extended maintenance times following years of rapid fleet growth. However, both CFM International and Pratt & Whitney said industrial conditions are steadily improving as supply chains recover.

Source: Reuters