Pakistan launches Hajj 2026 flight operations with departures from Lahore and Karachi
Over 119,000 pilgrims to travel under government scheme
DUBAI/LAHORE – Pakistan’s Hajj 2026 operation has officially commenced, with the first batch of pilgrims departing from multiple cities under an extensive, multi-airline airlift plan.
The launch marks the beginning of a 34-day operation aimed at transporting tens of thousands of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia with enhanced facilities and streamlined procedures. Authorities have confirmed that all logistical arrangements, including flights, accommodation and on-ground services, have been finalised to ensure a smooth journey.
The first Hajj flight under the Road to Makkah initiative departed from Lahore carrying 345 pilgrims to Madinah. Operated by a Saudi airline, the flight took off at 10:30am, with senior officials, including Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, present to see off the pilgrims.
Similar departures were recorded from Karachi, Sialkot and Multan, signalling a synchronised nationwide launch of Hajj operations.
From Karachi, the first batch of 160 pilgrims departed early morning on a private airline, marking the city’s inaugural Hajj 2026 flight. The aircraft later arrived in Madinah, where Saudi authorities and Hajj service providers received the pilgrims. Under the Road to Makkah facility, immigration formalities were completed prior to departure, significantly reducing waiting times upon arrival.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a total of 468 flights will be operated under the government Hajj scheme. These flights will transport approximately 119,000 pilgrims to the holy cities of Madinah and Makkah. Of these, 67,230 are male pilgrims, while 51,846 are female pilgrims travelling under the official scheme.
Hajj flight operation
The Hajj flight operation will run for 34 days, with the final departure scheduled for May 21. During the initial 15 days, all flights will land in Madinah, while flights to Jeddah will commence from May 4. A total of 186 flights will operate to Madinah and 282 to Jeddah.
Eight cities across Pakistan are part of the Hajj airlift network. Islamabad will operate 129 flights, Karachi 124, and Lahore 104. Other cities include Quetta with 18 flights, Multan with 34, Sialkot with 26, Faisalabad with 23, and Sukkur with five flights. Airlines participating in the operation include Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Airblue, AirSial and Saudi carriers.
PIA is set to begin its pre-Hajj operations on April 19, planning to transport more than 55,000 pilgrims through 191 flights. Of these, around 49,000 pilgrims will travel under the government scheme, while over 6,000 will be facilitated through private tour operators.
The airline’s first flight, PK-747, will depart from Sialkot to Madinah carrying over 390 pilgrims. Additional flights are scheduled from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Quetta and Sialkot, with dedicated airport teams assigned to assist pilgrims throughout the process.
روٹ مکہ پراجیکٹ کے سربراہ ???????? میجر جنرل ڈاکٹر صالح بن سعد المیرابا وفد کے ہمراہ لاہور پہنچ گئے, ایڈیشنل سیکرٹری مذہبی امور ڈاکٹر ساجد محمود چوہان، سعودی سفیر عزت مآب نواف بن سعید المالکی نے معزز مہمانوں کا استقبال کیا۔ وفد میں سعودی وزارت خارجہ، داخلہ، GACA، روٹ مکہ کے افسران شریک pic.twitter.com/8E0u6cSRrb
— Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony (@MORAisbOfficial) April 18, 2026
AirSial has also commenced its Hajj operations, with its first flight departing from Karachi carrying 160 pilgrims. Officials from the Pakistan Airports Authority and provincial leadership attended the inaugural ceremony, reviewing arrangements and facilities provided to pilgrims, including Saudi immigration counters set up under the Road to Makkah initiative.
Authorities have emphasised that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure efficiency and comfort during the pilgrimage journey. Enhanced coordination between government departments, airlines and Saudi authorities remains central to the operation, as Pakistan moves forward with one of its largest annual religious travel undertakings.