Lahore airport formally included in 'Road to Makkah initiative'

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Apr, 2026) A significant development has come about in the Hajj arrangements with the mutual cooperation of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, under which Allama Iqbal International Airport has also been officially made a part of the “Road to Mecca” project.

This move will provide great convenience to thousands of Hajj pilgrims, especially those from Punjab.

According to the details, the Saudi authorities have informed the Lahore Airport administration that the immigration and customs clearance process of all the pilgrims departing from here this year will be completed in Pakistan.

In this regard, Saudi Director of Hajj Operations Fawaz Saud Al-Sharifi held a meeting with the airport authorities, in which a detailed briefing was given on the practical aspects of the project.

Under the “Road to Makkah” project, the Saudi immigration process is completed at Pakistani airports, due to which pilgrims do not have to go through long queues and complicated steps after reaching Saudi Arabia, but they can directly leave for their residences.

Earlier, this facility was limited to only Jinnah International Airport and Islamabad International Airport, but now with the inclusion of Lahore, the scope of this project has been expanded.

According to official surces, this development will make Hajj flight operations more efficient and organised, while providing special convenience to elderly and sick pilgrims.

This move will not only increase convenience but also further strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.