First Hajj flight to leave Lahore today

LAHORE: The first Hajj flight from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia will depart from Lahore on Thursday (today).

The Ministry of Religious Affairs disclosed plans to aid the departure of pilgrims from Pakistan as the annual Hajj pilgrimage season approaches. The flight operations will run from May 9 to June 9, covering a duration of 31 days.

Read more: PIA Hajj flight operation starts from tomorrow

On Thursday, flights via the national air carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will transport pilgrims to Madinah. Over 2,160 pilgrims will embark on their journey through eleven flights.

The initial phase will  span the first 15 days with all flights to head directly to Madinah Airport. This is to help streamline the pilgrimage process and improve logistical efficiency. From May 24 to June 9, the majority of the Hajj flights will be redirected to Jeddah Airport.

Key departure hubs include Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, with each city allocated specific flights. Islamabad will see off 680 pilgrims across three flights while Karachi will dispatch 330 pilgrims through two flights. Meanwhile, Lahore will see the departure of 670 pilgrims via three flights.

Read more: Saudi Fatwa council prohibits Hajj without official permit to safeguard pilgrims

Multan will commence the pilgrimage journey with 329 pilgrims, and Sialkot will contribute 151 pilgrims through dedicated flights.

Flight operations will commence from Quetta on May 11 and Sukkur on May 27 to accommodate pilgrims from different regions.

259 dedicated Hajj flights are expected to bring back some 68,000 official Hajj pilgrims. The operation is scheduled to conclude on June 9. The first return flight will bring pilgrims back home on June 20.