Business Desk 
Apr 18, 2026
Hajj flight operations from Pakistan have started early today, with the first batch of pilgrims departing from Karachi at 3am via a private airline.
As per Jinnah International Airport authorities, a total of 160 pilgrims left on the inaugural flight, under the Road to Makkah Project, one-time immigration for pilgrims was completed at Karachi airport before departure.
The first flight from Pakistan arrived in Madinah, where airport authorities 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 begin its Hajj operations from April 19 (tomorrow), as the national carrier plans to transport more than 55,000 pilgrims through 191 flights to Saudi Arabia.
It is important to note that around 49,000 pilgrims will travel under the government scheme, while approximately 6,000 will perform Hajj through private groups.
Pilgrims from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Quetta, will travel from PIA's Hajj flights.
When will PIA's Hajj flights depart from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia?
The national carrier's first Hajj flight, PK-747, will depart from Sialkot to Madinah on April 19. From Faisalabad, flight PK-4003 will also leave on April 19 carrying more than 150 pilgrims.
Multan’s first Hajj flight is scheduled for April 20 with 391 pilgrims on board. Islamabad’s first flight, PK-713, will depart for Madinah on April 21.
From Quetta, the first Hajj flight will leave on April 21 carrying more than 300 pilgrims, while Karachi’s flight PK-743 will transport 391 pilgrims.
Lahore’s first Hajj flight is scheduled to depart on April 24 with over 300 pilgrims.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs will closely coordinate with private companies to regulate Umrah services, accommodation, catering and transport.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said: “Every effort is being made to provide pilgrims with high-quality arrangements, and the ministry aims to make this year’s Hajj an exemplary experience in terms of management and facilities."
The minister also reaffirmed the strong relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, appreciating the host country’s arrangements and support for Pakistani pilgrims.
