The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the return home of all flights carrying Egyptian tourism pilgrims after they completed the Hajj rituals for the 1446 AH/2025 season, amid a safe spiritual atmosphere and meticulous organization acknowledged by all, in one of the most successful Hajj seasons the religious tourism sector has seen in recent years.
The total number of tourism pilgrims transported by air reached 33,162 on 421 direct flights from the Holy Lands, in addition to 7,420 pilgrims who left the Holy Lands on overland trips. The pilgrims were distributed across the economy, five-star and overland Hajj programs, meeting the needs and aspirations of different segments of citizens.
Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, praised the great success of this year's tourism Hajj season, particularly in light of the concerted efforts of the relevant authorities in Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which had a profound impact on the smooth running of the season and the provision of excellent services to Egyptian tourism pilgrims.
In this context, Samia Samy, Assistant Minister for Tourism Companies Affairs and Head of the Official Egyptian Tourism Hajj Mission, noted that the tourism Hajj mission was present around the clock throughout the season to serve all tourism pilgrims, especially through its specialized field committees in Mecca and Medina, to check on their conditions and accommodation, ensure that tourism companies complied with the approved regulations and provided them with every means of comfort, and follow up on their safe return home.
This came in implementation of the directives of the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and under his constant, real-time follow-up of all details of the tourism Hajj season and his rapid communication with various authorities to ensure that any emergency challenges were resolved.
Samia Samy praised the role of the Chamber of Travel and Tourism Companies and Agencies, which was an effective partner in coordinating efforts and overcoming obstacles, expressing her appreciation for the efforts made by the tourism companies that organized Hajj this year, which showed exceptional commitment to providing the highest levels of service and care to tourism pilgrims. She also thanked the Saudi authorities for the facilities and tight organization they provided, which contributed to the success of the season and to serving the Guests of the Most Merciful from various countries around the world. She noted that this year's Hajj season was distinguished by an integrated system of logistical, security and organizational services, which provided an ideal environment for performing the rituals in safety and tranquility.
A comprehensive report on this year's tourism Hajj season is scheduled to be presented to the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities as soon as possible, once the comprehensive evaluation sessions being held for the season are completed, with the aim of identifying the positives and building on them as part of early preparations for the next Hajj season, in a way that strengthens the standing of Egyptian tourism Hajj and consolidates citizens' confidence in the services it provides.
Meanwhile, in light of the directives of Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, Egypt's Minister of Civil Aviation, to ensure the readiness of Egyptian airports and provide the best services to travelers, Cairo Airport Company has completed operations for this year's pilgrims' return season, under an operational plan aimed at organizing air traffic and providing a comfortable and safe travel experience for all passengers.
Cairo International Airport has finished receiving returning pilgrims on EgyptAir flights at the Seasonal Flights Hall, Saudia flights at Terminal 2, and private airline flights at Terminal 1.
