All preparations for the departure of the Hajj pilgrims under the ‘Road To Makkah’ project have been completed as Saudi immigration clearance became operational today with the departure of the first flight from Karachi International Airport to Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport — Madinah airport.

Eight immigration counters have been installed in the International Departure Lounge of Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.

First Hajj flight from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia 2024

The first Hajj flight of the private airline from Karachi on the night of May 8 and May 9 departed carrying 32 pilgrims.

The second private flight left Saudi Arabia carrying 180 Hajj pilgrims also.

As per schedule, 11 flights are scheduled to depart five major cities, including Karachi to arrive in Madinah where passengers will utilize the Makkah Route Initiative for the first time. The first 11 flights would take 2,160 Hajj pilgrims to Madinah.

What is Road To Makkah project?

The Road To Makkah initiative allows for the completion of immigration procedures at the pilgrims’ country of departure. The program was launched in 2019.

“These flights will transport pilgrims from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar to the Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (Madinah Airport), beginning a massive influx of devotees from Pakistan and other parts of the world,” state news agency APP said.

How many Pakistanis to perform Hajj this year?

This year, around 179,210 Pakistanis will perform Hajj under both the government and private schemes, for which a month-long flight operation is scheduled to commence on May 9 (Thursday).