Pakistan kicks off pre-Hajj 2026 operation as flights depart from Karachi, Lahore

The Hajj operation 2026 began on Saturday as the first flight carrying 160 pilgrims departed from Jinnah International Airport Karachi under the Road to Makkah initiative, state broadcaster Pakistan Television reported.

The Sindh Governor, Nehal Hashmi, along with other dignitaries, attended the ceremony and saw off the Hajj pilgrims, saying that those given the opportunity to perform Hajj in the Holy Mosques were truly fortunate.

He added that 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 prayed for its stability and development.

Meanwhile, another Hajj flight from Lahore, Saudi airline flight SV 5735, departed at 10:30am under the “Road to Makkah” initiative, carrying 345 pilgrims.

Various provincial ministers were present to see off the pilgrims, including Minister for 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 the “Road to Makkah” project Major General Dr Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba were also present on the occasion.

The ministers also extended their appreciation to the Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah and the Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson said that it would formally launch its Pre-Hajj Operation 2026 on Sunday, April 19.

“The first Hajj flight of the operation, PK-747, will depart from Sialkot to Madinah on April 19 at 01:55am, carrying over 390 pilgrims. Flight PK-4003 from Faisalabad, meanwhile, will also depart on April 19 at 11:05am, carrying over 150 pilgrims to Madinah,” he said.

The statement said that the national flag carrier would transport over 55,000 Hajj pilgrims through 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 via PIA.

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It added that the 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 through 46 flights. From Karachi, over 15,000 pilgrims will be transported through 55 flights, while 12,377 will be transported through 34 flights from Lahore,” read the statement.

Spokesperson added that from Faisalabad, 3,680 pilgrims would travel through 23 flights, while 13 flights from Multan would transport 5,383 pilgrims, adding that the Hajj operation would also include five flights from Sialkot, transporting 2,075 for the holy journey, along with Quetta, from where 4,487 pilgrims would be transported to Saudi Arabia through 15 pre-Hajj flights.

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“The first flight from Multan will depart on April 20 at 06:35am, carrying 391 pilgrims. The first flight from Islamabad to Madinah, PK-713, will depart on April 21 at 11:30am, carrying over 300 pilgrims; the first flight from Quetta will also depart on April 21 at 05:45am, also carrying over 300 pilgrims,” it added.

According to a spokesperson, the inaugural flight from Karachi, PK-743, would depart on April 23 at 07:15am, with 391 pilgrims beginning their journey. PK-747 from Lahore, meanwhile, would depart on April 24 at 10:20pm, carrying over 300 pilgrims.

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

PIA’s pre-Hajj operation would conclude on May 21, the spokesperson said. “All necessary arrangements for serving the pilgrims had been completed, with directives issued by the CEO of the national flag carrier to all teams to ensure that no shortcomings occur in serving the pilgrims.”