Pakistan launches 2026 pre-Hajj operations with departure of flights from Karachi and Lahore

LAHORE:

The Hajj 2026 operation began on Saturday as the first flight carrying 160 pilgrims took off from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi as part of the Road to Makkah initiative, according to the state television channel. Pakistani television reported.

Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi along with other dignitaries attended the ceremony and greeted the Hajj pilgrims, saying that those who had the opportunity to perform Hajj in the holy mosques were indeed lucky.

He said 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 Airlines Flight SV 5735, took off at 10:30 am under the ‘Road to Mecca’ initiative, carrying 345 pilgrims.

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

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

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

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson said that it will officially launch its pre-Hajj 2026 operation on Sunday, April 19.

“The first Hajj flight of the operation, PK-747, will depart from Sialkot to Madinah on April 19 at 1:55 am, carrying over 390 pilgrims. Flight PK-4003 from Faisalabad, meanwhile, will also depart on April 19 at 11:05 am, carrying over 150 pilgrims to Madinah,” he said.

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

Read: PIA flight lands 21 hours late

He added that direct flights for the 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 via 46 flights. From Karachi, over 15,000 pilgrims will be transported via 55 flights, while 12,377 will be transported via 34 flights from Lahore,” the statement said.

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

Learn more: PIA removes fare cuts, limits flight operations amid rising fuel prices

“The first flight from Multan will depart on April 20 at 6:35 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 5:45 am, also carrying over 300 pilgrims,” ​​he added.

According to a spokesperson, Karachi’s inaugural flight, PK-743, would take off on April 23 at 7:15 am, with 391 pilgrims beginning their journey. The PK-747 from Lahore, meanwhile, would depart on April 24 at 10:20 p.m., carrying over 300 pilgrims.

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

PIA’s pre-Hajj operation will end on May 21, the spokesperson said. “All necessary arrangements to serve the pilgrims have been made, with directives issued by the CEO of the national carrier to all teams to ensure that no gaps occur in serving the pilgrims.”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top