Pakistan Sets May 9th Start Date for Hajj Flights

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has unveiled the comprehensive Hajj flights schedule for the Pilgrims, slated to commence from May 9 and extend until June 9, as confirmed by the ministry’s spokesperson on Friday.

According to the announcement, the month-long operation will witness the first 15 days’ flights landing exclusively at the Madina airport, followed by a transition to Jeddah airport from May 24 to June 9.

On the inaugural day, Pakistan will initiate the pilgrimage journey with 11 special Hajj flights, accommodating a total of 2,160 Hajj pilgrims. These flights will originate from various cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot.

The Hajj operations will witness the first Hajj flight departure from Balochistan on May 11, departing from Quetta, followed by Sukkur on May 27.

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In total, Pakistan is set to operate 259 special flights to facilitate over 68,000 pilgrims registered under the government scheme. The designated operation will culminate on June 9.

Furthermore, post-Hajj, the country will resume its flight operations on June 20 to facilitate the return of pilgrims to their homeland.

Radio Pakistan reported that after the balloting process for the government’s Hajj scheme last December, 63,805 out of 69,438 nationals emerged successful, securing their spots for the pilgrimage.

Last year, Saudi Arabia reinstated Pakistan’s Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims and lifted the upper age limit of 65 years, facilitating over 81,000 pilgrims from Pakistan under the government scheme.