Pakistan has officially kicked off its Hajj flight operations, marking the beginning of a spiritually significant journey for thousands of pilgrims. The first group of pilgrims departed from Karachi early Saturday morning at around 3 am through a private airline. According to airport authorities, 160 pilgrims were part of this inaugural flight, which successfully reached Madinah, where they were warmly welcomed by officials and Hajj service teams.
A key highlight of this year’s arrangements is the Road to Makkah Project, allowing pilgrims to complete their immigration process in Pakistan before departure. This initiative has significantly streamlined travel, making the journey smoother and less stressful upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to begin its Hajj operations from April 19, with plans to transport over 55,000 pilgrims via 191 special flights. Out of these, around 49,000 pilgrims will travel under the government scheme, while approximately 6,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj through private arrangements.
Flights will operate from multiple cities including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Quetta. The first PIA flight will depart from Sialkot to Madinah, followed by other major cities in the coming days. Authorities have ensured a well coordinated schedule to accommodate the large number of travelers efficiently.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, has confirmed that all Hajj 2026 preparations are complete. He emphasized that 180,000 pilgrims will benefit from improved services without any additional costs. A new Lahore to Saudi Arabia route has also been introduced to enhance travel convenience.
The government has pledged to maintain high standards in accommodation, transport, and overall services, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience. Close coordination with private operators will further improve service quality, making this year’s Hajj operation more organized and efficient than ever before.
