Islamabad International Airport has achieved a new record by successfully handling 45,160 Hajj pilgrims during its Pre-Hajj Operations 2026. According to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), this was done through 284 flights to Saudi Arabia, marking the highest number of pilgrims ever managed from the airport.
Out of the total pilgrims, 37,072 travelled under the Government Hajj Scheme and the Route-to-Makkah initiative, while 8,088 departed under the private Hajj scheme. The operations were completed smoothly with excellent coordination between different departments.
This record performance shows a big improvement in the airport’s efficiency, passenger handling, and flight management for large-scale religious travel. Officials praised the staff for ensuring safe, comfortable, and well-organized departures for the pilgrims.
The successful Pre-Hajj operations from Islamabad reflect Pakistan’s growing capability to manage huge numbers of travellers during religious events. Many pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, including timely flights and support services at the airport.
This achievement is being seen as a positive step in improving Pakistan’s aviation facilities for international religious tourism. The Islamabad Airport’s record this year has set a high standard for other airports in the country during the Hajj season.
