Hajj operation 2026 takes off with first flight under Road to Makkah project

• First Hajj flight departs from Islamabad with streamlined immigration process

• Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf says preparations completed on time with Saudi support

• Road to Makkah expanded to Lahore, set to benefit over 95,000 pilgrims

• PIA resumes Faisalabad Hajj flights after four-year gap as operations gain momentum

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has completed its Hajj preparations within the stipulated timeframe with the support of the Saudi government, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said on Sunday, as the first Hajj flight under the Road to Makkah project departed from Islamabad International Airport.

Pilgrims were seen off at the airport by Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf along with senior officials.

Addressing the ceremony, he said the Road to Makkah initiative enables pilgrims to complete Saudi immigration and other formalities at their departure airports, ensuring a smoother arrival process in Saudi Arabia.

He noted that the project has been expanded this year to Lahore, in addition to Karachi and Islamabad, and is expected to benefit more than 95,000 pilgrims.

Pilgrims will also be provided with e-SIM cards to stay connected with their families in Pakistan. Additional facilities include modern, comfortable tents and high-speed train services linking Makkah and Madinah to facilitate ease of travel.

The minister expressed gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Mohammed bin Salman and Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah for their support and guidance in facilitating Hajj arrangements.

PIA resumes Faisalabad Hajj flights after four years

In a related development, Hajj 2026 flight operations by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have resumed from Faisalabad International Airport after a four-year hiatus.

The first flight departed carrying 150 pilgrims to Madinah. The pilgrims were seen off by Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen and MPA Ahmed Shahryar.

Officials said a total of 3,680 pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia through 23 flights by May 19. PIA will operate 15 flights from Faisalabad to Madinah and nine to Jeddah as part of the Hajj operation, with the final flight scheduled to depart on May 19.

Earlier, on April 18, the first flight carrying Hajj pilgrims from Karachi arrived in Madinah, where 155 pilgrims were warmly received. Director General Hajj Abdul Wahab Soomro and other senior officials welcomed the pilgrims.

Flowers were showered and gifts presented, while traditional Saudi welcome songs, accompanied by rhythmic beats of the duff, created a spiritually uplifting and memorable atmosphere.