Pakistan to start Hajj flight operation from April 18

Pakistan has finalized its 2026 Hajj flight schedule and completed the issuance of visas for pilgrims under the government plan, and the pre-Hajj flight operation will begin on April 18, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said on Wednesday.

According to the statement issued by the ministry, all visas for approximately 120,000 selected pilgrims were issued upon completion of the required procedures within the Saudi schedule.

“The Hajj flight operation will continue until May 21, with a total of 468 flights scheduled to transport pilgrims to Saudi Arabia over a period of 34 days. The first flights will depart from Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot and Multan, taking the pilgrims to Madinah,” he added.

Read more: Saudi Arabia extends visa validity for stranded visitors until April 18

Ministry officials said that for the first 15 days of the operation, pilgrims would be flown to Medina, while flights to Jeddah would begin from May 4.

“The first long-haul Hajj flight to Madinah is scheduled for May 7. Of the total flights, 186 will land in Madinah and 282 in Jeddah. The operation will involve multiple airlines including Pakistan International Airlines, Airblue, Air Sial and Saudi airlines,” the ministry said in a statement.

He further said that as per the government plan, around 119,000 pilgrims would travel to Saudi Arabia, including 67,230 men and 51,846 women, adding that flights would operate from eight cities in Pakistan.

“Islamabad will have 129 flights, Karachi 124 and Lahore 104. Other cities include Quetta with 18 flights, Multan 34, Sialkot 26, Faisalabad 23 and Sukkur five. On the first day of operations, four flights will transport pilgrims to Madinah,” the statement added.

Read more: PMDC cracks down on universities offering unrecognized postgraduate courses

The ministry said all logistical arrangements, including accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, allocation of maktabs and transportation, were finalized after completing the biometric process on February 17.

To facilitate pilgrims, the government improved its digital system and advised all travelers to use the “Pak Hajj 2026” mobile application to check flight schedules, departure details and accommodation information. The app would also serve as an official platform for updates and announcements during the Hajj operation.

The ministry urged pilgrims to stay connected with the official app and website to stay informed about any changes in training schedules or programs.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality travel and accommodation services to ensure that pilgrims can perform Hajj with ease and concentration.