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–Pakistan begins Hajj flight operations, aiming to transport over 119,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia under the official scheme
Aftab Maken
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to launch Hajj operation 2026 from today under the government scheme, with the first batch of pilgrims departing from major cities, officials said.
Initial flights carrying intending pilgrims will depart from Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Multan, marking the start of the annual operation for Hajj 2026. The initiative is being managed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in coordination with aviation authorities.
Under the official Hajj scheme, a total of 468 flights will transport around 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. The pilgrims include 67,230 men and 51,846 women, reflecting strong participation across demographics for the annual pilgrimage.
On the first day of operations, four flights are scheduled to carry pilgrims to Medina, where they will begin their spiritual journey. Medina serves as the initial destination for many pilgrims before proceeding to Mecca for the core Hajj rituals.
Flights to Jeddah are set to begin from May 4, while the first long-haul Hajj flight to Medina will depart on May 7. According to officials, the final Hajj flight from Pakistan is scheduled for May 21, marking the completion of the first phase of the operation.
Pakistan typically receives one of the largest Hajj quotas allocated by Saudi Arabia. In recent years, the country’s quota has ranged between 170,000 to 180,000 pilgrims, split between the government scheme and private tour operators. The official scheme often accounts for a majority share due to subsidized arrangements and logistical support.
Saudi authorities have implemented enhanced facilitation measures this year, including the “Road to Makkah” project, aimed at streamlining immigration procedures. Under this initiative, Saudi immigration officials have already arrived in Lahore to process pilgrims before departure, reducing waiting times upon arrival in the Kingdom.
The Hajj operation is a complex logistical exercise involving multiple agencies, including airlines, immigration authorities, and health services. Pakistan International Airlines and private carriers typically operate special Hajj flights, ensuring transportation capacity during the peak travel window.
According to Saudi Ministry of Hajj data, over 1.8 million pilgrims performed Hajj in 2025, highlighting the scale of the annual gathering. Authorities in both countries have increased coordination to manage crowd flow, health protocols, and travel arrangements.
Officials said extensive arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth journey for pilgrims, including dedicated counters, vaccination requirements, and accommodation planning in Saudi Arabia. Health advisories and vaccination compliance remain key components of the travel process.
The launch of Hajj flights signals the start of one of the largest annual religious travel operations from Pakistan, with authorities emphasizing improved facilitation and efficiency this year. Pakistan’s Hajj operation 2026 will continue in phases until all pilgrims are transported ahead of the Hajj rituals in early June.
