Dubai Airports ready to process 3,600+ Hajj pilgrims with dedicated counters and medical teams
Dubai Airports will process over 3,600 Hajj pilgrims, about 59% of UAE pilgrims, with dedicated counters, multilingual support, medical teams and Zamzam handling.
Dubai Airports has completed operational preparations to receive more than 3,600 travellers for the 2026 Hajj season, with the authority estimating that roughly 59% of the UAE’s pilgrims will transit through its terminals. Flights by Emirates, Saudia, flydubai and flynas are scheduled to continue until May 23, 2026, and the official Dubai government delegation departed on May 21, 2026. The plan focuses on passenger flow efficiency, safety and passenger support from arrival through departure.
Dubai Airports to process majority of UAE Hajj travellers
Dubai Airports expects to handle the bulk of the UAE’s Hajj traffic this season, directing resources toward peak periods and targeted passenger services. The authority’s operational blueprint concentrates on smoothing check-in, security screening and boarding to keep dwell times low during surges. Coordination with airlines and partner agencies has been emphasised to ensure aircraft connections and ground handling run to schedule.
Coordinated operations with authorities and airlines
The Hajj operation is being run in close partnership with a range of government and private entities to ensure an integrated response. Partners include the General Command of Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs — Dubai (GDRFA), Dubai Customs, dnata, Dubai Duty Free, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the Roads and Transport Authority and the Dubai Health Authority. Airlines operating pilgrim services — Emirates, Saudia, flydubai and flynas — have aligned flight timings and handling plans with airport teams to manage peaks through May 23, 2026.
Dedicated passenger services and facilities
Specialised counters and designated arrival and departure gates have been assigned to shorten walking distances and speed processing for pilgrims. Dubai Airports has also deployed multilingual guest experience ambassadors, distributed welcome kits and set up support desks to answer travel and visa queries. Prayer rooms, changing facilities for Ihram clothing and dedicated assistance points are available across terminals to accommodate religious and personal needs.
Support for elderly and passengers with medical needs
Enhanced mobility and medical support have been prioritised for senior citizens and passengers requiring extra assistance. An increased supply of wheelchairs and more on-site health screening stations will be available, alongside roving ground-support teams positioned in high-traffic areas. Families and travel groups have been encouraged to request assistance in advance to streamline their airport journey and ensure escorts are in place when needed.
Health readiness and ambulance response
Dubai’s emergency medical services have reinforced field readiness to provide proactive care and rapid response for any in‑flight or on‑ground medical incidents. The Dubai Ambulance Foundation has staged additional crews near Hajj passenger processing zones, while airport medical clinics are prepared to manage routine checks and any urgent conditions. Pilgrims are advised to carry essential medications and to inform travel organisers of pre-existing conditions before departure.
Arrivals, return flights and Zamzam arrangements
Return flows are also covered by the plan, with Dubai Airports preparing to receive pilgrims arriving back in the UAE between May 30 and June 2, 2026. Separate baggage belts will be allocated for Zamzam water containers to expedite collection and clear customs efficiently. Repatriation and baggage handling teams will coordinate with customs and health authorities to ensure compliance with limits and to facilitate a smooth arrival process.
Pilgrims have been urged to arrive at the airport at least four hours before their scheduled departure time, to verify that all travel documents — including Hajj permits and vaccination certificates — are in order and to follow the travel directives issued by airline and government authorities. Dubai Airports and its partners say these steps are intended to reduce delays and improve the overall travel experience during the concentrated Hajj period.
The comprehensive readiness effort reflects Dubai Airports’ focus on operational resilience and passenger care during seasonal peaks. With coordinated agency support, enhanced medical coverage and targeted passenger services in place, the authority aims to deliver a safe and efficient transit for pilgrims travelling to and returning from the holy sites.