A total of 468 flights are scheduled to transport pilgrims to Saudi Arabia over a 34-day period
Pakistan finalized its Hajj 2026 flight schedule and ended issuing visas to pilgrims under the government scheme, with the pre-Hajj flight operation set to begin on April 18, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said on Wednesday.
According to the announcement issued by the ministry, all visas for approximately 120,000 selected pilgrims were issued after the completion of the necessary procedures within the Saudi timeline.
“The Hajj flight will continue until May 21, with a total of 468 flights scheduled to transport pilgrims to Saudi Arabia over a 34-day period. The first flights will depart from Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot and Multan, carrying pilgrims to Madinah,” it added.
Read more: Saudi Arabia extends visa validity for stranded visitors until April 18
Ministry officials said that during the first 15 days of the operation, pilgrims would be flown to Madinah, while flights to Jeddah would begin from May 4.
*Good news for pilgrims*
The ministry released the schedule of Hajj flights. عازمین هجی *پاک هجی موبیل* Get your flight information through the پیپ پ Hajj flight information is also available on the ministry’s website. Please keep an eye on the Pak Hajj 2026 mobile app for future announcements pic.twitter.com/dweSq7R8Ma— Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (@MORAisbOfficial) March 25, 2026
“The first long-haul hajj flight to Madinah is scheduled for May 7. Out of the total flights, 186 will land in Madinah and 282 in Jeddah. The operation will involve several airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines, Airblue, AirSial and Saudi carriers,” the ministry said in a statement.
It further said that under the government scheme, around 119,000 pilgrims would travel to Saudi Arabia, including 67,230 men and 51,846 women, adding that flights will operate from eight cities in Pakistan.
“Islamabad will have 129 flights, Karachi 124 and Lahore 104. Other cities include Quetta with 18 flights, Multan 34, Sialkot 26, Faisalabad 23 and Sukkur five. On the first day of operations, four flights will transport pilgrims to Madinah,” the statement added.
Read more: PMDC cracks down on universities offering unrecognized post-grad courses
The ministry said all logistical arrangements, including accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, allotment of maktabs and transport, had been completed after completing the biometric process by February 17.
To facilitate pilgrims, the government improved its digital system and advised all travelers to use the “Pak Hajj 2026” mobile application for flight schedules, departure details and accommodation details. The app would also serve as an official platform for updates and announcements during the Hajj operation.
The ministry encouraged pilgrims to stay connected to the application and the official website to stay informed of any changes in schedules or training programs.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to provide quality travel and accommodation facilities to ensure pilgrims can perform Hajj with ease and focus.
