Pakistan begins operation prior to Hajj 2026 with flights departing from Karachi and Lahore

LAHORE:

Operation Hajj 2026 began on Saturday when the first flight carrying 160 pilgrims departed from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport under the Road to Mecca initiative, according to the state broadcaster. Pakistan Television reported.

Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi along with other dignitaries attended the ceremony and bid farewell to the Hajj pilgrims, saying that those who got the opportunity to perform Hajj at the Holy Mosques were truly fortunate.

He added that the pilgrims were ambassadors of Pakistan and should impress others with their character and conduct, adding that Pakistan was a country of peace and love, and he prayed for its stability and development.

Meanwhile, another Hajj flight from Lahore, Saudi airline flight SV 5735, departed at 10:30 am under the “Road to Mecca” initiative, carrying 345 pilgrims.

Several provincial ministers were present to see off the pilgrims, including the Minister of Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, who thanked the provision of facilities and paid tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman.

Also present on the occasion were Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, Federal Secretary for Religious Affairs Abrar Ahmed Mirza, and Head of the “Road to Mecca” project Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba.

The ministers also expressed their gratitude to the Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and the Saudi Ambassador, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson said it would formally launch its Pre-Hajj Operation 2026 on Sunday, April 19.

“The first flight of the Hajj operation, PK-747, will depart from Sialkot to Madinah on April 19 at 01:55 am, carrying over 390 pilgrims. Meanwhile, flight PK-4003 from Faisalabad will also depart on April 19 at 11:05 am, carrying over 150 pilgrims to Madinah,” he said.

The statement said the national flag carrier will transport more than 55,000 Hajj pilgrims across 191 flights this year. Of them, 49,000 pilgrims would travel under the government plan, while more than 6,000 would travel through private Hajj groups through PIA.

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He added that direct flights for Hajj operation would be operated from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Quetta.

“PIA will transport over 15,400 pilgrims from Islamabad to Saudi Arabia through 46 flights. From Karachi, over 15,000 pilgrims will be transported through 55 flights, while 12,377 will be transported through 34 flights from Lahore,” the statement read.

The spokesperson added that from Faisalabad, 3,680 pilgrims would travel through 23 flights, while 13 flights from Multan would carry 5,383 pilgrims, adding that the Hajj operation would also include five flights from Sialkot, transporting 2,075 for the holy journey, along with Quetta, from where 4,487 pilgrims would be transported to Saudi Arabia through 15 pre-holy flights. Hajj.

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“The first flight from Multan will depart on April 20 at 06:35 am, carrying 391 pilgrims. The first flight from Islamabad to Madinah, PK-713, will depart on April 21 at 11:30 am, carrying over 300 pilgrims; the first flight from Quetta will also depart on April 21 at 05:45 am, carrying over 300 pilgrims,” he added.

According to a spokesperson, the inaugural flight from Karachi, PK-743, would depart on April 23 at 7:15 a.m., with 391 pilgrims beginning their journey. Meanwhile, PK-747 from Lahore would depart on April 24 at 10:20 p.m., carrying more than 300 pilgrims.

“Airline teams present at PIA airports and offices in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will provide information and guidance to the pilgrims throughout the operation,” he said.

The PIA’s pre-Hajj operation will conclude on May 21, the spokesperson said. “All necessary arrangements to serve the pilgrims have been completed, with directives issued by the CEO of the national flag carrier to all teams to ensure that there are no shortfalls in serving the pilgrims.”