The government has finalized the Hajj flight operation schedule for 2026, under which the first flight carrying intending pilgrims will depart from Pakistan on April 18, reported ProPakistani.

The initial flights will depart from Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Multan, marking the start of a 34-day pre-Hajj airlift operation.

Under the government Hajj scheme, a total of 119,000 pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia through 468 special flights. Of these, 67,230 are men and 51,846 are women.

On the first day, four flights will transport pilgrims to Madinah. During the first 15 days, most pilgrims will be flown directly to Madinah, while flights to Jeddah will begin on May 4. In total, 186 flights will land in Madinah and 282 in Jeddah.

The final Hajj flight from Pakistan is scheduled to depart on May 21.

Four airlines — Pakistan International Airlines, Airblue, AirSial, and Saudia — will participate in the operation.

Hajj flights will operate from eight cities nationwide. Islamabad will have the highest number of departures with 129 flights, followed by Karachi with 124 and Lahore with 104. Other departure points include Multan (34 flights), Sialkot (26), Faisalabad (23), Quetta (18), and Sukkur (5).

Officials said pilgrims will be informed of their respective flight schedules next week.

The government aims to ensure a smooth and well-organized airlift operation to facilitate pilgrims’ journey to the holy cities of Madinah and Makkah.