PIA to begin pre-Hajj flight operation from April 19

National carrier will airlift over 540 pilgrims to Madinah

KARACHI: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News –April 18th, 2026) Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to launch its pre-Hajj flight operation on April 19, 2026, to transport intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

On the opening day, the national carrier will airlift over 540 pilgrims to Madinah. The first flights, PK-747 from Sialkot and PK-4003 from Faisalabad, are scheduled to depart for Madinah on April 19, while Multan’s first flight (PK-715) will take off on April 20.

Pre-Hajj flights from Quetta and Islamabad will commence on April 21, followed by Karachi’s first departure (PK-743) on April 23. Lahore’s inaugural pre-Hajj flight (PK-747) is scheduled for April 24.

In total, PIA plans to operate more than 191 flights to Madinah and Jeddah, facilitating the travel of over 55,000 pilgrims. The airline will run operations from major cities including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Quetta.

According to the flight schedule, over 15,400 pilgrims will depart from Islamabad through 46 flights, more than 15,000 from Karachi via 55 flights, and over 12,300 from Lahore through 34 flights. Faisalabad will send around 3,680 pilgrims on 23 flights, Multan 5,383 pilgrims via 13 flights, Sialkot 2,075 pilgrims through 5 flights, and Quetta more than 4,487 pilgrims on 15 flights.

PIA has expressed its commitment to ensuring smooth and efficient travel arrangements for pilgrims. During last year’s Hajj operation, the airline achieved over 90 percent operational reliability and received appreciation from relevant authorities.

PIA Chief Executive Officer, Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat, will personally oversee the operation and has directed the Hajj team to ensure maximum comfort and convenience for pilgrims throughout the journey.

The pre-Hajj operation is scheduled to conclude on May 21, 2026.