Pakistan has finalised arrangements for Hajj 2026, with the first flight scheduled to depart on April 18 under the government scheme.
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, and authorities say preparations are being completed to ensure smooth travel for pilgrims.
According to official details, a total of 468 government-operated flights will transport around 119,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. This includes 67,230 men and 51,846 women.
On the first day, flights will depart from Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Multan, with four flights heading to Medina.
Flights to Jeddah will begin on May 4 and continue until May 21. The full Hajj flight operation will last 34 days. Out of the total flights, 186 will land in Medina, and 282 will land in Jeddah.
Departures will take place from eight cities across Pakistan, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Sukkur.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime.
Each year, Pakistan sends thousands of pilgrims under both government and private schemes, with strict coordination between Pakistani and Saudi authorities to manage travel, accommodation, and safety arrangements.
