PIA is set to begin Hajj flight operations from April 19, with the airline planning to transport over 55,000 pilgrims.
Hajj flight operations from Pakistan began early Saturday, with the first group of pilgrims departing from Karachi at 3am via a private airline, officials at Jinnah International Airport said.
A total of 160 pilgrims were on board the inaugural flight. Authorities added that under the Road to Makkah Project, one-time immigration procedures for pilgrims were completed at Karachi airport before departure.
The first flight from Pakistan landed in Madinah, where airport officials and Hajj service providers received the pilgrims. A second Hajj flight is also expected to arrive in Madinah from Turkiye.
Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will launch its Hajj operations from April 19, a spokesperson told Geo News. The national carrier plans to transport over 55,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia through 191 flights.
Out of these, around 49,000 pilgrims will travel under the government scheme, while nearly 6,000 will perform Hajj through private operators.
PIA flights will operate from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Quetta.
The first PIA Hajj flight, PK-747, will depart from Sialkot to Madinah on April 19. From Faisalabad, flight PK-4003 will also take off the same day with more than 150 pilgrims.
Multan’s first flight is scheduled for April 20, carrying 391 pilgrims, while Islamabad’s PK-713 will depart for Madinah on April 21.
From Quetta, the first flight will also operate on April 21 with over 300 pilgrims, and Karachi’s PK-743 will carry 391 pilgrims.
Lahore’s first Hajj flight is set for April 24, transporting more than 300 pilgrims.
Earlier this month, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said that Hajj 2026 arrangements are fully prepared, with no additional cost for 180,000 pilgrims, including 120,000 under the government scheme and 60,000 through private operators.
He highlighted improvements in this year’s arrangements, including a new Lahore-to-Saudi Arabia route to facilitate travel, while flights from other cities will continue as planned.
The minister said all arrangements — including flights, accommodation, and transport — would be managed efficiently to ensure comfort and safety for pilgrims.
He also noted that the ministry will coordinate closely with private companies to regulate Umrah services, accommodation, catering, and transport.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment, he said efforts are being made to ensure high-quality arrangements and make this year’s Hajj a smooth and well-managed experience.
He further appreciated Saudi Arabia’s support and said Pakistan would fully utilize its Hajj quota while maintaining high standards for pilgrims.
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