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Tuesday, 03 March 2026 | Web Desk
In welcome news for intending pilgrims, the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs has finalized and announced the schedule for Hajj 2026 flights, with the first flight departing Pakistan on April 18, 2026.
According to ministry sources, the inaugural day of Hajj operations will see flights taking off from Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Multan simultaneously. Pilgrims will be informed about their specific flight details within the next week.
468 Flights to Transport 119,000 Pilgrims
Under the government Hajj scheme, a total of 468 flights will operate to transport 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims to the holy lands. The operation will utilize airports in eight cities across the country.
Two-Phase Flight Operation
The flight operation has been divided into two phases based on destination cities in Saudi Arabia:
Phase 1: Madinah-bound Flights
- Start Date: April 18, 2026
- On the first day, pilgrims will be sent to Madinah Munawwarah via 4 flights
- Pilgrims will proceed to Makkah after performing religious rites in Madinah
Phase 2: Jeddah-bound Flights
- Start Date: May 4, 2026
- Direct flights to Jeddah will commence for pilgrims proceeding directly to Makkah
Final Flight
- The last Hajj flight will depart Pakistan on May 21, 2026
City-Wise Flight Distribution
Flights will operate from eight Pakistani cities, with the following distribution:
| City | Number of Flights |
|---|---|
| Islamabad | 129 |
| Karachi | 124 |
| Lahore | 104 |
| Multan | 34 |
| Sialkot | 26 |
| Faisalabad | 23 |
| Quetta | 18 |
| Sukkur | 5 |
Total: 468 Flights
Arrangements Finalized
Ministry officials stated that all arrangements for a smooth and comfortable Hajj operation have been finalized. Pilgrims are advised to complete their documentation and stay in contact with their respective banks and travel agents for flight confirmations.
The announcement brings relief to thousands of intending pilgrims who have been awaiting travel schedules to finalize their preparations for the spiritual journey.
