Saudi Arabia has inaugurated a second gateway for its Makkah Route Initiative in Morocco, marking a further step in efforts to simplify pilgrimage travel. The new facility was opened at Rabat-Salé International Airport in the initiative’s dedicated hall.

The launch ceremony was attended by Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Morocco, Dr Sami Al-Saleh, and Morocco’s Minister of Endowments, Ahmed Toufiq.

The Makkah Route Initiative is designed to enhance the travel experience for pilgrims from participating countries by handling key procedures before departure. According to Saudi Press Agency, the programme allows travellers to complete formalities in their home country, beginning with the electronic issuance of Hajj visas and the collection of biometric data.

Authorities then finalise entry procedures through the General Directorate of Passports, ensuring that pilgrims meet all health and regulatory requirements at the departure airport.

The initiative also covers the organisation of baggage, with luggage coded and sorted based on pilgrims’ transport and accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, pilgrims are transported directly by bus to their residences in Makkah and Madinah along designated routes, while partner agencies oversee the delivery of their belongings.

Source: ZAWYA

Saudi Arabia has inaugurated a second gateway for its Makkah Route Initiative in Morocco, marking a further step in efforts to simplify pilgrimage travel. The new facility was opened at Rabat-Salé International Airport in the initiative’s dedicated hall.

The launch ceremony was attended by Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Morocco, Dr Sami Al-Saleh, and Morocco’s Minister of Endowments, Ahmed Toufiq.

The Makkah Route Initiative is designed to enhance the travel experience for pilgrims from participating countries by handling key procedures before departure. According to Saudi Press Agency, the programme allows travellers to complete formalities in their home country, beginning with the electronic issuance of Hajj visas and the collection of biometric data.

Authorities then finalise entry procedures through the General Directorate of Passports, ensuring that pilgrims meet all health and regulatory requirements at the departure airport.

The initiative also covers the organisation of baggage, with luggage coded and sorted based on pilgrims’ transport and accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, pilgrims are transported directly by bus to their residences in Makkah and Madinah along designated routes, while partner agencies oversee the delivery of their belongings.

Source: ZAWYA

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority has taken action against four travel agencies, ordering their closure after they were found to be in violation of applicable regulations.

According to the authority, the decision reflects its continued efforts to reinforce regulatory oversight within the air transport industry and ensure strict adherence to national laws governing the sector.

The Air Transport Department, operating under the authority, said it is maintaining regular inspection campaigns targeting travel agencies and air cargo service providers. These checks are intended to verify compliance with established legal and operational standards.

Officials reiterated that the authority remains committed to strengthening monitoring procedures and improving enforcement measures across the industry.

The authority also urged all licensed entities to comply fully with relevant regulations and to avoid engaging in travel or air cargo operations without obtaining the required approvals from the competent department. It cited Article (3) of Law No. (3) of 2025, which governs licensing requirements and operational permissions in the sector.

Source: ZAWYA

Saudi citizens and nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been allowed to continue performing Umrah rituals until the 15th of Dhul Qada, which falls on May 3, according to official guidelines. During this period, these pilgrims are not required to obtain a Hajj permit to enter Makkah.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had earlier designated the 1st of Dhul Qada, corresponding to April 19, as the final departure deadline for individuals who entered the Kingdom on Umrah visas. This measure aligns with the commencement of the Hajj season, when international pilgrims begin arriving in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

In the days leading up to the cut-off, there has been a noticeable surge in domestic Umrah activity. Large numbers of Saudi citizens have gathered at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, making use of the remaining time before Hajj preparations intensify.

The influx has also driven a sharp rise in hotel occupancy rates in areas surrounding the Grand Mosque. Accommodation facilities have reported particularly high demand over weekends, as visitors travel from various regions across the Kingdom to perform their rituals.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the capital’s first low-cost airline, has announced the introduction of a new direct route connecting Zayed International Airport with Amman City Airport (ADJ) in Jordan.

The service is scheduled to begin operations on May 1, 2026, and will run three times a week. The new connection is designed to offer passengers more affordable and convenient travel options between the UAE capital and Jordan’s capital region.

With this addition, Amman becomes the second destination in Jordan served by the carrier. The airline already operates flights to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, further strengthening its presence in the country.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, highlighted the significance of the expansion, stating that the new route reflects the airline’s continued focus on enhancing travel choices for customers traveling between the UAE and Jordan. He added that operating services to two airports in the Jordanian capital will help support stronger links in travel, tourism, and trade between the two nations.

Following the launch, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will operate daily flights to Queen Alia International Airport and three weekly services to Amman City Airport (also referred to in operational references as Amman Civil Airport), bringing its total weekly frequency on the route to ten flights. This expansion is expected to provide passengers with greater scheduling flexibility.

The new service also aligns with the wider Air Arabia Group network between the UAE and Jordan, where Amman is additionally served by non-stop flights from Sharjah International Airport.

Source: ZAWYA

Qatar Airways has announced further progress in rebuilding its global flight network, with daily services to Bahrain (BAH) and Kozhikode (CCJ) set to resume on 1 May 2026.

The latest development follows earlier reinstatements scheduled for Dubai (DXB) and Sharjah (SHJ), both returning to daily operations from 23 April 2026. The airline has also confirmed that flights to Damascus (DAM) will restart on 1 May 2026. These additions are part of a broader effort to improve connectivity across the Middle East and international destinations.

According to the airline, the ongoing restoration aims to strengthen access to key markets spanning six continents as travel demand continues to recover.

Passengers are being encouraged to monitor updates through the airline’s official website and mobile application, and to ensure their contact information remains current to receive timely notifications.

Ticket flexibility and refund arrangements

Qatar Airways has outlined several options for passengers holding tickets issued on or before 30 April 2026, with travel dates scheduled between 28 February and 15 September 2026. Eligible travellers may:

• Change their travel dates free of charge to any time up to 31 October 2026 when rebooking on Qatar Airways-operated flights, subject to availability and fare conditions.
• Request a refund for the unused portion of their ticket, in line with standard fare rules. Processing may take up to 28 working days.

For flights affected by schedule changes, passengers will receive additional flexibility, including:

• Fee-free rebooking options valid until 31 October 2026, with the original cabin class retained regardless of fare type or seasonal restrictions.
• Refunds for unused tickets without penalty, also subject to a processing period of up to 28 working days.

The airline noted that flight schedules may still change or be cancelled due to operational, regulatory, safety, or other external factors.