The Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially announced the commencement of the Hajj flight operations for the year 2026, with the inaugural flight set to take off on April 18. This marks the beginning of a large-scale logistical effort to facilitate the journey of Pakistani pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The government’s Hajj scheme will oversee a total of 468 flights, ensuring the safe and organized transportation of approximately 119,000 pilgrims from across the country.
The operation will kick off with flights departing from major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Multan. Pilgrims are expected to receive detailed information about their specific flight schedules and related arrangements in the coming week, allowing them ample time to prepare for their spiritual journey. On the very first day, four flights will be dedicated to transporting pilgrims directly to Madinah, highlighting the ministry’s commitment to a structured and phased approach.
Breaking down the flight distribution, 186 flights are allocated for Madinah, while 282 flights will head to Jeddah, with the latter commencing from May 4. The operation spans eight key cities nationwide, with Islamabad handling the largest share of flights at 129, followed closely by Karachi with 124 and Lahore with 104. Other cities contributing to the Hajj airlift include Multan (34 flights), Sialkot (26 flights), Faisalabad (23 flights), Quetta (18 flights), and Sukkur (5 flights). This extensive network ensures that pilgrims from various regions have accessible departure points.
Earlier this year, in January, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony conducted the second phase of a comprehensive training program for Hajj pilgrims at the Haji Camp in Islamabad. The initiative aimed to equip pilgrims with essential knowledge about the pilgrimage process, including the various rites, precautionary measures, and religious obligations such as Faraiz and Wajibat related to both Hajj and Umrah. This training is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance pilgrims’ preparedness and spiritual understanding.
During the training sessions, Deputy Director Umar Butt provided valuable insights into administrative procedures, departure protocols, and accommodation arrangements in the holy cities. Meanwhile, Master Trainer Tanveer Asghar delivered detailed guidance on the correct performance of Hajj and Umrah rituals, emphasizing the significance of fulfilling religious duties accurately. The event was attended by senior officials, including Qazi Sami-ur-Rehman, Director of Haji Complex Islamabad, and Deputy Director Hakim Khan Khattak, underscoring the high level of coordination involved.
Pilgrims were also advised to enhance their physical fitness by engaging in daily walks of two to three kilometers, a recommendation aimed at preparing them for the physically demanding aspects of the pilgrimage. Furthermore, they were reminded to keep all necessary travel documents ready, including their original passports, Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC), flight tickets, visa copies, and vaccination certificates for meningitis, influenza, and polio. The ministry issued a strict warning against carrying prohibited items such as narcotics, naswar, cigarettes, and unauthorized medicines to avoid complications during travel.
In a move to streamline communication and provide real-time updates, the ministry has mandated the use of the “Pak Haj App” for all pilgrims. This digital platform offers access to flight schedules, accommodation details, and group information, making it an essential tool for managing the pilgrimage efficiently. Additionally, detailed instructions were provided on the remote biometric verification process through the “Saudi Visa Bio” app, which is a prerequisite for visa issuance and entry into Saudi Arabia.
For those pilgrims arriving directly in Madinah, the ministry has arranged stays ranging from three to eight days before their onward journey to Makkah. This phased approach allows pilgrims to acclimatize and perform initial rituals in Madinah before proceeding to the main rites in Makkah. Overall, the ministry’s meticulous planning and comprehensive support aim to ensure a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for Pakistani pilgrims this year.
