Pilgrimage under pressure: Planning your Hajj trip this year

epaselect epa10713217 A Muslim man prays on Mount Arafat during the Hajj 2023 pilgrimage, southeast of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 27 June 2023. Pilgrims began flocking on the plains of Mount Arafat since early hours of the day to perform one of the most important rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage. According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, more than 1.6 million Muslims had arrived in the Kingdom to perform Hajj this year, whille the total number of pilgrims is expected to break records at more than 2.5 million for the first time since lifting the covid-19 pandemic restrictions. EPA/ASHRAF AMRA Credit: ASHRAF AMRAH/EPA

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As uncertainty continues across parts of the Middle East, many Australian Muslims preparing for Hajj are asking practical questions about safety, travel routes and planning ahead. In this episode of SBS Urdu’s Hajj series, we discuss how pilgrims can prepare for their journey in the current situation, what travel precautions to consider, and why many are choosing the convenience of travelling directly from Australia — even when booking Hajj packages through Pakistan. The episode also explores flight planning, transit considerations, official travel advice, and tips for a smoother pilgrimage experience.

For pilgrims planning to perform Hajj and hoping to avoid additional travel complications this year, Cheeta Travel Center’s Mohammad Qaiser Siddiqui says choosing an airline that is not based in the Middle East may offer greater convenience.

He suggests that, given the current uncertainty in the region, flying with a Southeast Asian carrier could be a practical option for many travellers.

Speaking to SBS Urdu, Mohammad Qaiser said Hajj brings together millions of people from around the world, and during such a massive gathering, many factors remain beyond human control — making reliable travel arrangements a crucial part of the journey.