Emirates Adds Over Forty Flights for Hajj 2025 and Eid Al Adha: New Travel Updates You Need To Know

Published on May 23, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

As one of the world’s leading airlines, Emirates is intensifying its flight operations to accommodate the surge of travelers during the important Hajj pilgrimage and Eid Al Adha festivities this year.

With a total of 46 extra flights added to its network, Emirates is facilitating the smooth transit of thousands of pilgrims journeying to the holy cities of Jeddah and Medina as well as meeting growing leisure and family travel demand across regional routes.

This operational ramp-up aligns closely with guidelines and facilitation efforts advocated by aviation authorities such as the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), which emphasize safe, efficient, and well-coordinated travel during peak religious and festive periods.

Supporting the Once-in-a-Lifetime Hajj Pilgrimage Journey

Between now and May 31, and again from June 10 to 16, Emirates will operate 33 special flights dedicated to Hajj pilgrims flying to Jeddah and Medina, two critical gateways for those performing the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca. This service enhancement is crucial in facilitating the millions who undertake this journey annually, a religious duty that Saudi Arabia supports through well-organized infrastructure and government-backed initiatives.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, pilgrim welfare and smooth transit are priorities, with airlines like Emirates playing a pivotal role in transporting Hajj travelers from diverse countries. Emirates is expected to carry approximately 32,000 Hajj passengers over the next three weeks, connecting key cities across its global network, including the United States, Pakistan, Indonesia, South Africa, Thailand, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Enhanced Onboard Pilgrim Experience with Thoughtful Amenities

Understanding the unique needs of Hajj travelers, Emirates has introduced an enhanced onboard experience. Upon arrival in Dubai, pilgrims benefit from dedicated airport teams facilitating seamless arrivals, transit connections, and hotel transfers, reducing stress during this spiritually significant journey.

Onboard, all pilgrims receive distinct “Hajj” luggage tags and a newly introduced Hajj kit comprising essentials such as a prayer mat, tasbih beads for prayer, mindfulness aids, silicon water bottles, and cushioned non-slip socks. These amenities are designed to offer comfort and reverence throughout the flight, reflecting Emirates’ commitment to catering sensitively to religious travelers.

Special Hajj flights feature ablution-friendly amenities, unperfumed towels, and special announcements marking Al Miqat zones—the designated points where pilgrims prepare for their pilgrimage rituals. Furthermore, passengers returning from Jeddah and Medina are allowed to check in up to 5 liters of holy Zamzam water, securely stored in a dedicated cargo area on board, in compliance with Saudi customs regulations.

Pilgrims are encouraged to visit Emirates’ dedicated Hajj page for the latest travel requirements and detailed information on the ground and onboard experience, ensuring compliance with Saudi Arabia’s health and safety protocols as outlined by the Saudi Ministry of Health and international aviation bodies.

Meeting Regional Travel Demand for Eid Al Adha

In addition to Hajj flights, Emirates is operating 13 extra flights connecting regional destinations such as Amman, Dammam, Kuwait, and Bahrain during the Eid Al Adha period. This boost serves travelers visiting family, participating in religious celebrations, or journeying to popular summer leisure destinations.

This expansion corresponds with increased travel demand during one of the most significant Islamic holidays, a time when families reunite and communities celebrate with traditional festivities. UAE and Saudi tourism authorities encourage responsible and safe travel practices during this period, supported by airline service enhancements.

Culinary Delights Celebrate Eid Traditions

Reflecting the cultural importance of Eid Al Adha, Emirates has curated a special festive menu available across all travel classes on flights to select destinations in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, the Far East, and Europe.

Passengers in First, Business, and Premium Economy Classes can indulge in authentic dishes such as Lamb Madfoon and Chicken Zurbian, showcasing traditional Middle Eastern flavors. A variety of signature desserts like Pistachio and Chocolate Nammoura Cake and White Chocolate and Rahash Mousse enrich the celebratory experience.

Economy Class travelers are also treated to delicious Pistachio Cake and Coffee Cake, ensuring the festive spirit extends to all passengers. On Emirates’ iconic A380 aircraft, First and Business Class guests can enjoy Emirati desserts and unlimited Arabic coffee in the Onboard Lounge, enhancing the social and cultural atmosphere of the journey.

Special dessert boxes featuring bite-size delicacies such as Cake Rangeena, Pistachio Rehash Cake, and Date Mamoul cookies are distributed across all cabins, adding a touch of festivity to every flight.

For travelers departing from Jeddah, Emirates’ exclusive lounges offer an array of traditional dishes like Lamb Mathlouta, Lamb Saleeg, and Henaini, complemented by sweets such as Cheese Kunafa, perfectly aligning with the Saudi hospitality customs encouraged by GACA.

Extensive Entertainment Options Enhance Passenger Experience

Recognizing the importance of onboard comfort and entertainment, Emirates provides passengers with a vast selection of on-demand content on its ice entertainment system. Travelers can access over 2,000 movies globally, including more than 75 Arabic titles ranging from classic favorites to recent hits like Abo Nasab, Al Mazra’a, and Al Ankaboot.

Arabic TV series, including exclusives from Shahid and popular Turkish series dubbed in Arabic such as Tout El Aswad and Al Uqda, offer rich cultural entertainment options.

Passengers also have access to 15 Arabic podcast and audiobook channels, The Holy Qur’an, and more than 500 Arabic music channels spanning genres like pop, classical, Khaleeji, and Maghrebi music.

Convenient Duty-Free Shopping with Emirates RED

For travelers pressed for time or those seeking last-minute gifts, Emirates provides the Emirates RED duty-free shopping platform. Featuring over 200 luxury products from brands including Hermès, Cartier, Tom Ford, Creed, and Jo Malone, customers can pre-order items online and have them delivered directly to their seat onboard.

During Eid Al Adha, Emirates is offering a 10% discount on purchases through Emirates RED with the code ‘REDMAG’, enhancing the shopping experience for holiday travelers.

The platform allows passengers to shop from 21 days up to 40 hours before departure, reflecting a commitment to customer convenience and digital innovation supported by the UAE’s digital economy initiatives.

Alignment with Government Aviation and Tourism Priorities

Emirates’ operational expansion for the Hajj season and Eid celebrations aligns with strategic frameworks outlined by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Both governments prioritize safe, efficient transport and enhanced customer experience during peak religious and festive travel periods.

The airline’s focus on tailored services for pilgrims and festive travelers contributes to the broader tourism goals articulated by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify economic growth through high-quality tourism and cultural heritage promotion.

Conclusion

By adding 46 special flights dedicated to Hajj pilgrims and Eid Al Adha travelers, Emirates continues to demonstrate its leadership in the global aviation sector, combining operational excellence with culturally attuned services. Its comprehensive support—from dedicated ground teams and onboard amenities to festive menus and digital duty-free shopping—creates a seamless, memorable journey for millions during these sacred and joyous occasions.

This robust response to seasonal demand reflects Emirates’ ongoing commitment to facilitating the spiritual journeys of millions while supporting the UAE’s and Saudi Arabia’s vision of world-class, culturally respectful travel experiences.