KARACHI: Pakistan’s annual Hajj flight operation formally commenced on Saturday, with the first batch of pilgrims departing from Karachi for Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of the country’s large-scale airlift for the pilgrimage.
According to reports, the inaugural flight carrying intending pilgrims took off from Karachi, where arrangements had been finalised to ensure a smooth departure process. The launch signals the start of a weeks-long operation during which thousands of Pakistani pilgrims will be transported to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Officials said multiple flights from major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and others, are scheduled as part of the operation’s opening phase. On the first day alone, several flights are expected to carry pilgrims to Madinah, while subsequent flights to Jeddah will follow in the coming weeks.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has overseen the coordination of the operation, which involves both government and private Hajj schemes. Under the official scheme, over 100,000 pilgrims are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia this year through hundreds of scheduled flights.
Authorities at Karachi’s airport put in place special facilitation measures, including dedicated counters, immigration support and logistical arrangements, to assist pilgrims ahead of departure. The initiative aims to streamline the travel process and minimise inconvenience for passengers embarking on the once-in-a-lifetime religious journey.
The pre-Hajj flight operation is expected to continue for more than a month, with flights operating from multiple cities across Pakistan to accommodate the large number of pilgrims.
Each year, Pakistan organises an extensive Hajj operation involving national and private airlines to transport pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, reflecting one of the country’s largest annual logistical undertakings.
