Islamabad, April 29, 2025 – Pakistan’s Hajj operation for the year 2025 has officially begun, with the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), successfully operating its first pre-Hajj flight. The inaugural flight transported 442 pilgrims from Islamabad to Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, marking the formal commencement of the spiritual journey for thousands of Pakistani Muslims.
According to a spokesperson for PIA, the Hajj operation is in full swing with the next scheduled flights departing from Quetta and Lahore. The Quetta flight, set to take off at 10:00 AM, will carry 170 pilgrims, while the Lahore flight, scheduled for 10:00 PM, will transport 323 pilgrims to Madinah.
In the first phase of the operation, all flights are bound for Madinah. The second phase will begin later, with flights departing for Jeddah, facilitating pilgrims who are scheduled to perform Hajj from that region.
Adding to the convenience of pilgrims, the “Road to Makkah” initiative — a collaborative effort with the Saudi government — is being implemented at Islamabad and Karachi airports. This program allows pilgrims to undergo Saudi immigration and customs procedures within Pakistan, significantly streamlining the travel experience and reducing waiting times upon arrival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
PIA’s pre-Hajj operation will continue until May 31, ensuring that all registered pilgrims are transported to the Kingdom in time. The post-Hajj return operation is set to begin on June 10 and will conclude on July 10, covering the return journey of pilgrims from both Jeddah and Madinah.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has confirmed that all logistical and medical arrangements are in place, with dedicated support teams at each departure airport to assist pilgrims throughout their journey.
