Moroccan Hajj Pilgrims to Enter Ihram Onboard Flights

The Moroccan Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has issued new guidance for pilgrims undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage this year, aiming to streamline the process and enhance the spiritual experience. Official pilgrims departing from Moroccan airports will now be required to enter the state of Ihram, the sacred state of pilgrimage, while onboard their flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This directive signifies a shift in the traditional approach, encouraging pilgrims to prepare spiritually and physically for the sacred rituals en route.

Pilgrims are specifically instructed to carry their Ihram garments with them on the plane and to make the intention (Niyyah) to enter Ihram once the aircraft reaches the designated Miqat (a specific point where pilgrims intending to perform Hajj or Umrah must enter the state of Ihram) of Rabigh. This measure is designed to ensure that pilgrims are in the correct state of ritual purity before arriving in Saudi Arabia, facilitating a smoother transition into the holy sites of Mecca.

The Ministry has announced that the first flight to implement this new procedure will be flight SV378, scheduled to depart from Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 19:10. This initiative reflects a coordinated effort between Moroccan authorities and Saudi Arabian Hajj organizers to optimize the pilgrimage experience for Moroccan nationals, ensuring adherence to religious requirements from the very beginning of their journey.