The government has unveiled the Hajj flight schedule for 2026 in a major development for intending pilgrims.

The first Hajj flight from Pakistan under the government scheme will depart on April 18, marking the start of a 34-day nationwide flight operation.

According to sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the first Hajj flights on April 18 will take off from Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot and Multan.

On the opening day of the Hajj operation, pilgrims will be flown to Madinah through four flights. Pilgrims selected under the government scheme will be informed about their respective flights next week.

119,000 pilgrims to perform Hajj under govt scheme

A total of 119,000 pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia under the government Hajj scheme this year. These include 67,230 male pilgrims and 51,846 female pilgrims.

The operation will continue for 34 days, ensuring the smooth transportation of all selected pilgrims to the Makkah.

The government will transport pilgrims through 468 flights in total. During the first 15 days of the operation, all pilgrims will be flown to Madinah.

In total, 186 Hajj flights will operate for Madinah, while 282 flights will depart for Jeddah. The first Hajj flight to Jeddah will depart on May 4, and the last flight to Jeddah will take off on May 21.

City-wise breakdown of Hajj flights

According to the official schedule received by Samaa TV, flights will operate from multiple cities across Pakistan. A total of 129 flights will depart from Islamabad, 124 from Karachi and 104 from Lahore. Additionally, 18 flights will depart from Quetta, 34 from Multan and 26 from Sialkot.

Faisalabad will operate 23 flights, while five flights will depart from Sukkur.

Officials say the government is making comprehensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and organized Hajj flight operation for all selected pilgrims.