Route to Makkah Takeoff: First Hajj 1447 AH flight departs Islamabad with 270 pilgrims

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Apr, 2026) The first Hajj flight under the Route to Makkah initiative departed from Islamabad on Sunday, carrying 270 Pakistani pilgrims to Madinah Munawwarah, marking the start of Hajj 1447 AH flight operations.

An official told APP that Saudia flight SV-5723 took off at 11:00 a.m. for the holy land.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Head of Mission Mohammad Al Ali and Joint Secretary Hajj Muhammad Bakhsh Sangi saw off the pilgrims at Islamabad International Airport.

The departure marks the beginning of Pakistan’s Hajj operations, with comprehensive arrangements put in place to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for pilgrims.

Under the Route to Makkah facility, Saudi immigration and other travel procedures are being completed at Islamabad airport, enabling pilgrims to proceed directly to their residences upon arrival without delay.

Around 36,000 pilgrims from Islamabad, 29,800 from Karachi and, for the first time, approximately 30,000 pilgrims from Lahore will benefit from this facility.

In total, about 95,800 Pakistani pilgrims — nearly 80 per cent of the overall contingent — will avail the service this year.

As part of enhanced arrangements, one trained Nazim has been assigned for every group of 188 pilgrims to ensure guidance and assistance during their stay in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.

Each pilgrim will be provided a free Saudi SIM upon arrival, offering 40GB data for long Hajj and 25GB for short Hajj, along with local and international calling minutes.

Approximately 24,000 pilgrims will also travel between Makkah and Madinah through the Haramain High Speed Railway, providing a fast and comfortable travel option.

Officials said that around 119,000 government scheme pilgrims have been provided accommodation in the Markaziyah area near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi to ensure ease of access for prayers.

They said all arrangements have been finalized in coordination with Saudi authorities to ensure provision of maximum facilities and a smooth Hajj experience for every pilgrim.