Pakistan’s 2026 Pre-Hajj Flights Begin April 18

Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that the pre-Hajj flight operations for the 2026 pilgrimage season will commence on April 18 and continue until May 21. The announcement confirms that Hajj flights from Pakistan will begin departing from major cities including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and Sialkot, with the first flights scheduled to arrive in Saudi Arabia on April 18 carrying pilgrims from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia.

According to The Express Tribune, the Ministry confirmed that the flight schedule has been finalized and operations are set to begin as planned. Official sources told the newspaper that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has completed all necessary preparations for its role in the Hajj airlift, including aircraft readiness, crew training, and coordination with Saudi authorities.

Pakistan Today reported that the first Hajj flight from Islamabad is scheduled to depart on April 19, aligning with the broader timeline of operations. This flight will be among the initial batches transporting pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah in advance of the official Hajj rites, which are expected to begin in June.

The Islamic Information outlet confirmed that the first wave of Hajj 2026 flights will arrive in Saudi Arabia on April 18, carrying pilgrims not only from Pakistan but also from Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia. This regional coordination underscores the collaborative effort among South Asian nations to facilitate the early arrival of pilgrims for preparatory rituals and acclimatization.

Arab News reported that Pakistani authorities have confirmed that approximately 660 pilgrims will arrive in Madinah on April 18 via the first three Hajj flights. These flights are part of a staggered arrival strategy designed to manage logistics and ensure smooth processing upon entry into Saudi Arabia.

The Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) confirmed that the first Hajj flight has also departed from Sialkot, marking the northern city’s participation in the national airlift effort. This reflects the widespread geographic distribution of departure points across Pakistan to accommodate pilgrims from all regions.

The pre-Hajj operation is an annual initiative that allows pilgrims to travel to Saudi Arabia weeks before the official Hajj dates to perform Umrah, rest, and prepare spiritually and physically for the pilgrimage. This year’s operation begins on April 18, as confirmed by multiple Pakistani news outlets and official sources, and will run for over a month to accommodate the large number of intending pilgrims.

As of April 17, 2026, all preparations appear to be on schedule, with airlines, government agencies, and ground handlers reporting readiness for the commencement of flights. No delays or disruptions have been reported in the lead-up to the start date.