Inaugural Hajj flight departs from Lahore Airport

LAHORE: The inaugural Hajj flight under the ‘Route to Makkah Initiative’ successfully departed Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on Saturday. A total of 345 pilgrims left for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saudi flight SV5735, which took off at 10: 00 am. Under the expanded programme, approximately 29, 929 pilgrims will travel from Lahore through 104 scheduled flights. The ‘Road to Makkah’ project, a flagship initiative by the Government of Saudi Arabia, aims to streamline travel procedures for Hajj pilgrims by completing immigration and customs formalities in their home country. Under this system, pilgrims undergo both Pakistani and Saudi immigration and customs clearance at the departure airport. This means that upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, pilgrims will not have to go through lengthy immigration processes or stand in extended queues. Additionally, their checked baggage will be transported directly from the airport to their accommodations, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable journey. The inaugural flight was seen off by Federal Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki. They were joined by Federal Religious Affairs Secretary Abrar Ahmad Mirza and Project Head Major-General Dr Saleh bin Saad Al-Miraba. Among other dignitaries present were Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Senator Hafiz Abdul Karim, religious scholar Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, and Shabbir Ahmed Usmani, all of whom extended their best wishes to the departing pilgrims. On this occasion, officials stated that around 80 percent of pilgrims travelling under the government Hajj scheme from Lahore will benefit from this facility. The Pakistan Airports Authority’s spokesperson said that the inclusion of Lahore in the ‘Road to Makkah’ Project is expected to significantly enhance convenience and efficiency for thousands of pilgrims travelling from the region. Meanwhile, the Pakistan International Airlines will commence its pre-Hajj operation on April 19. According to a PIA spokesperson, the national carrier will transport over 55, 000 Hajj pilgrims through 191 flights this year. Over 49, 000 pilgrims under the government scheme and over 6, 000 under private Hajj groups will travel through PIA. Direct flights will be operated from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Quetta for the Hajj operation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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