The Ministry of Religious Affairs Pakistan has officially announced the commencement of Hajj flight operations from across the country, beginning today, April 18, 2026. The large-scale operation marks the start of travel arrangements for thousands of pilgrims heading to the holy sites in Saudi Arabia.

According to officials, the Hajj flight schedule will continue until May 21, ensuring the smooth transportation of pilgrims under the government-managed Hajj scheme. The operation is designed to facilitate organized and timely departures for all registered participants.

A total of 468 flights have been scheduled as part of this year’s arrangements. These flights will transport pilgrims to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, collectively known as the Hijaz region, which holds central importance in Islamic pilgrimage rituals.

On the first day of operations, flights are departing from major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Multan. These departure points have been selected to streamline logistics and accommodate pilgrims from different regions.

Authorities have emphasized that special arrangements have been made to ensure comfort, safety, and efficient processing at airports. Dedicated counters, medical support, and facilitation desks have been set up to assist pilgrims throughout their journey.

The ministry has also advised pilgrims to follow all guidelines and report on time for their scheduled flights to avoid delays in the operation. Coordination between aviation authorities and ground staff has been strengthened to handle the high passenger volume during the pilgrimage season.

Officials describe this year’s Hajj operation as one of the largest coordinated travel efforts in the country, reflecting extensive planning and inter-agency cooperation. The focus remains on ensuring a smooth and dignified travel experience for all pilgrims.

As the operation continues over the coming weeks, more flights will depart daily, gradually completing the full schedule ahead of the Hajj rituals in Saudi Arabia.