Hajj flight operations from Pakistan started early Saturday, with the initial group of 160 pilgrims departing Karachi at 3 a.m. via a private airline, officials at Jinnah International Airport confirmed. This inaugural flight marked the beginning of the annual pilgrimage, facilitated under the Road to Makkah Project, which completed one-time immigration procedures for pilgrims at Karachi airport before departure.
Upon arrival, the first flight landed in Madinah, where airport authorities and Hajj service providers warmly welcomed the pilgrims. Meanwhile, a second Hajj flight is anticipated to arrive in Madinah from Turkiye shortly.
In a significant development, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to launch its Hajj operations starting April 19, aiming to transport over 55,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia through 191 flights. Of these travelers, approximately 49,000 will journey under the government scheme, while around 6,000 pilgrims will participate via private groups.
PIA’s flights will operate from multiple cities including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Quetta. The airline’s first Hajj flight, PK-747, will depart from Sialkot to Madinah on April 19. On the same day, flight PK-4003 from Faisalabad will carry more than 150 pilgrims. Multan’s inaugural flight, scheduled for April 20, will transport 391 pilgrims, while Islamabad’s first flight, PK-713, will leave for Madinah on April 21. Quetta’s initial Hajj flight is also set for April 21, carrying over 300 pilgrims, and Karachi’s flight PK-743 will transport 391 pilgrims. Lahore’s first flight is planned for April 24 with more than 300 pilgrims on board.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, announced earlier this month that preparations for Hajj 2026 are fully in place, ensuring no additional costs for the 180,000 pilgrims, which includes 120,000 under the government scheme and 60,000 private pilgrims. Notably, a new Lahore-to-Saudi Arabia route has been introduced to facilitate easier travel, complementing the existing routes from other cities.
The minister emphasized that all aspects of the pilgrimage—including flights, accommodation, and transportation—will be managed efficiently to guarantee the comfort and safety of the pilgrims. He also highlighted the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ close coordination with private companies to regulate Umrah services, accommodation, catering, and transport, aiming to provide high-quality arrangements.
“Every effort is underway to make this year’s Hajj an exemplary experience in terms of management and facilities,” the minister stated. He further reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, appreciating the host country’s arrangements and support extended to Pakistani pilgrims.
He added that Pakistan plans to fully utilize its Hajj quota while maintaining high standards, reflecting the commitment from both governments to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience. Responding to queries, he reiterated that while the Hajj route traditionally operated from Karachi and Islamabad, the addition of the Lahore route will simplify travel, with flights from other cities continuing as scheduled.
