Pakistan will begin Hajj flight operations on April 18, marking the start of this year’s pilgrimage journey. The operation will continue until May 21 under the government Hajj scheme. Thousands of pilgrims are preparing to travel to the holy cities of Madinah and Makkah.
Authorities have finalized arrangements to ensure smooth transportation throughout the travel period. A total of 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj through the official government programme. Officials expect organized scheduling to reduce travel difficulties and improve coordination.
Flights to Operate From Multiple Cities
Hajj flights will depart from several major cities across Pakistan. These include Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Multan from the beginning of operations. Overall, flights will operate from eight cities nationwide.
Islamabad will manage the highest number of departures with 129 flights scheduled. Karachi will operate 124 flights, while Lahore will handle 104 flights. Meanwhile, Quetta will host 18 flights during the operation period.
Multan will manage 34 flights, and Sialkot will operate 26 flights. Faisalabad will see 23 departures, whereas Sukkur will handle five flights. This distribution aims to ease travel pressure and improve regional accessibility.
Airlines Participating in the Hajj Operation
Several airlines will jointly conduct the Hajj operation this year. Pakistan International Airlines, AirBlue, Air Sial, and Saudia Airlines will transport pilgrims. Collaboration among carriers will help maintain flight frequency and operational efficiency.
On the opening day, four flights will depart directly for Madinah. Authorities have coordinated schedules carefully to manage large passenger volumes.
Madinah Flights to Begin First Phase
During the first fifteen days, all pilgrims will travel exclusively to Madinah. This phased approach helps manage arrivals and accommodation arrangements smoothly. A total of 186 flights are scheduled to land in Madinah during this period.
Afterward, flights to Jeddah will begin on May 4. Overall, 282 flights are planned to operate to Jeddah. The phased schedule supports better crowd management during peak travel days.
Pilgrim Numbers Under Government Scheme
Under the official programme, both male and female pilgrims will travel in large numbers. Authorities confirmed that 67,230 male pilgrims will perform Hajj through the government scheme. Additionally, 51,846 female pilgrims will participate in the pilgrimage journey.
Officials believe balanced planning ensures comfort and safety for all travellers. Careful coordination also supports accommodation and transportation arrangements upon arrival.
Digital Access to Flight Information
Pilgrims can check their flight details through the Pak Hajj Mobile application. The application provides schedules and important travel updates in one place. Moreover, detailed information remains available on the ministry’s official website.
Digital access allows pilgrims to stay informed without visiting offices repeatedly. Consequently, travellers can prepare better for departure and avoid last-minute confusion.
Organized Planning for a Spiritual Journey
The Hajj operation represents one of Pakistan’s largest annual travel arrangements. Authorities have focused on structured scheduling to maintain efficiency and safety. Furthermore, coordination between airlines and officials aims to ensure timely departures.
As April 18 approaches, pilgrims across the country are preparing for a deeply spiritual experience. The organized flight plan reflects efforts to make the sacred journey smoother and more accessible. Ultimately, the operation marks the beginning of an important religious milestone for thousands of Pakistani families.
