Pakistan set to begin Hajj flight operations from April 18

Pakistan has finalized its 2026 Hajj flight schedule and completed the issuance of visas for pilgrims under the government program, with pre-Hajj flight operations expected to 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 around 120,000 selected pilgrims were issued after the completion of the required procedures within the Saudi deadline.

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

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Ministry officials said that during 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 several airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines, Airblue, AirSial and Saudi airlines,” the ministry said in a statement.

He further said that under the government scheme, around 119,000 pilgrims would travel to Saudi Arabia, including 67,230 men and 51,846 women, adding that the flights would be operated from eight cities of 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 ferry the pilgrims to Madinah,” the statement added.

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

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

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

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