Hajj flights begin from Pakistan as first pilgrims leave Karachi

KARACHI: Hajj flight operations from Pakistan started early on Saturday, with the first group of pilgrims departing from Karachi at 3am on a private airline, according to authorities at Jinnah International Airport.

Officials said 160 pilgrims travelled on the inaugural flight. They added that under the Road to Makkah Project, one-time immigration for the pilgrims was completed at Karachi airport before departure.

The first flight from Pakistan landed in Madinah, where airport authorities and Hajj service providers received the pilgrims. Officials also said a second Hajj flight was expected to arrive in Madinah from Turkiye.

PIA to start operations on April 19

Separately, a Pakistan International Airlines spokesperson said the national carrier will begin its Hajj operations on April 19. The airline plans to transport more than 55,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia through 191 flights.

According to the spokesperson, around 49,000 pilgrims will travel under the government scheme, while about 6,000 will perform Hajj through private groups.

PIA’s Hajj flights will operate from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Quetta.

The airline’s first Hajj flight, PK-747, is scheduled to depart from Sialkot to Madinah on April 19. From Faisalabad, flight PK-4003 will also leave on April 19 carrying more than 150 pilgrims.

Multan’s first Hajj flight is due on April 20 with 391 pilgrims on board, while Islamabad’s first flight, PK-713, will depart for Madinah on April 21.

From Quetta, the first Hajj flight will leave on April 21 carrying more than 300 pilgrims. Karachi’s first PIA Hajj flight, PK-743, will transport 391 pilgrims, while Lahore’s first Hajj flight is scheduled to depart on April 24 with over 300 pilgrims.

Minister says arrangements are complete

Earlier this month, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said arrangements for Hajj 2026 had been fully completed, with no extra cost for 180,000 pilgrims, including 120,000 under the government scheme and 60,000 private pilgrims.

Highlighting this year’s improvements, the minister said a new Lahore-to-Saudi Arabia route had been introduced to make travel easier, while flights from other cities would continue as scheduled.

He said all operations, including flights, accommodation and transport, would be organised smoothly and efficiently to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims.

He further said the Ministry of Religious Affairs would closely coordinate with private companies to regulate Umrah services, accommodation, catering and transport.

“Every effort is being made to provide pilgrims with high-quality arrangements, and the ministry aims to make this year’s Hajj an exemplary experience in terms of management and facilities”, he said.

The minister also reaffirmed the strong relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and appreciated the host country’s arrangements and support for Pakistani pilgrims.

He added that Pakistan would fully utilise its Hajj quota while maintaining high standards, reflecting the commitment of both governments to facilitating a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience.

Responding to a query, he said the Hajj route had previously mainly operated from Karachi and Islamabad, and that a new Lahore-to-Saudi Arabia route had now been added, while flights from other cities would continue as scheduled.