The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially announced its pre Hajj operation schedule for 2026, confirming that flights carrying pilgrims will begin from April 19 as arrangements for the annual religious journey are finalized.
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According to the airline’s spokesperson, more than 55,000 pilgrims will be transported to Saudi Arabia through 191 special flights under the operation. This includes approximately 49,000 pilgrims traveling under the government scheme and over 6,000 passengers from private Hajj groups.
The Hajj flights will operate from multiple cities across Pakistan, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Quetta, ensuring nationwide facilitation for pilgrims.
The first flight of the pre-Hajj operation, PK-747, is scheduled to depart from Sialkot on April 19 at 1:55 AM, carrying more than 390 pilgrims to Madinah. On the same day, another flight from Faisalabad will transport 150 pilgrims. Subsequent departures are planned from Multan on April 20, Islamabad and Quetta on April 21, Karachi on April 23, and Lahore on April 24.
The airline has allocated major quotas across cities, including over 15,400 pilgrims from Islamabad, 15,000 from Karachi, 12,377 from Lahore, 5,383 from Multan, 4,487 from Quetta, 3,680 from Faisalabad, and 2,075 from Sialkot.
The pre-Hajj operation will continue until May 21, after which the post-Hajj phase will begin to bring pilgrims back home. PIA’s Chief Executive Officer has directed all teams to ensure maximum facilitation for pilgrims, emphasizing smooth travel arrangements and passenger assistance.
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The airline has also confirmed that dedicated staff will be deployed at airports in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to guide pilgrims throughout their journey, ensuring a seamless and well-managed Hajj operation.