Islamabad: Ministry of Religious Affairs has finalised key preparations for Hajj 2026, sealing agreements with four airlines to transport pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia, according to officials.
The deals aim to ensure smoother travel logistics for tens of thousands of pilgrims under the government’s Hajj scheme.
Agreements with national and foreign carriers
Under the agreements, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Saudi Arabian Airlines, and two Pakistani private carriers will provide air services for Hajj 2026 pilgrims.
PIA will transport 49,020 government-sponsored pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and back, according to officials. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian Airlines will handle air travel for 47,690 pilgrims.
In addition, two Pakistani private airlines will collectively ferry about 22,500 pilgrims, sources said.
Focus on timely operations
As preparations move into an operational phase, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has instructed all participating airlines to finalize flight schedules as soon as possible.
Officials said the directive is intended to avoid delays and ensure coordinated departures and returns during the peak Hajj travel period.
Total capacity under government scheme
Overall, the ministry plans to provide air travel facilities to 119,210 pilgrims under the government Hajj scheme for 2026, sources said.
The finalised airlift plan marks a major step in Pakistan’s annual Hajj preparations, as authorities shift focus from contracting to execution in the months ahead.
