Pakistan will start its annual Hajj flight operation on April 18, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The schedule was officially announced on Monday as preparations for the pilgrimage continue across the country.
Under the government Hajj scheme, a total of 468 flights will transport pilgrims from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia. These flights will carry thousands of pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Officials said the first Hajj flights will depart from Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Multan on April 18. Pilgrims will receive details about their assigned flights during the coming week.
This year, around 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia under the government Hajj program. Authorities said careful planning has been done to manage the large number of travelers.
Among the registered pilgrims, approximately 67,230 are men traveling under the official Hajj scheme. Meanwhile, around 51,846 women will also perform the pilgrimage through the government program.
On the first day of the Hajj operation, four flights will depart from Pakistan carrying pilgrims to Madinah. Officials said these initial flights are part of the phased travel plan.
For the first 15 days of the Hajj operation, pilgrims will mainly travel to Madinah Munawwarah. During this period, several flights will operate daily to transport pilgrims safely.
According to the ministry, a total of 186 flights will carry pilgrims to Madinah. Meanwhile, 282 flights will be directed to Jeddah during the overall Hajj operation.
Flights to Jeddah will begin on May 4 as the travel schedule expands. The last Hajj flight from Pakistan is expected to depart on May 21.
Officials confirmed that the entire Hajj flight operation will continue for about 34 days. Authorities aim to ensure smooth transportation for all pilgrims during this period.
Several airlines will participate in the Hajj operation this year. These include Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Air Blue, Air Sial, and Saudi Airlines.
Flights will depart from eight major cities across Pakistan. Islamabad will operate 129 Hajj flights, while Karachi will handle 124 flights.
Lahore is scheduled to manage 104 flights during the travel period. Other cities will also play an important role in the operation.
Quetta will have 18 flights, while Multan will operate 34 flights. Sialkot is expected to manage 26 flights for Hajj pilgrims.
Additionally, Faisalabad will host 23 flights and Sukkur will have five flights during the operation.
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Officials say the travel plan has been designed to make the Hajj journey comfortable and organized for pilgrims across Pakistan.
