Hajj 2026 operations have begun from Karachi airport, with the first phase of Pakistan’s pre-Hajj airlift starting on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Reports say Karachi was one of the first four departure points on opening day, alongside Lahore, Sialkot, and Multan.
According to official reporting carried by APP, the nationwide operation will continue until May 21, 2026. Under the government Hajj scheme, Pakistan has arranged 468 flights to transport about 119,000 to 120,000 pilgrims, depending on the report and whether it refers strictly to government-scheme pilgrims or broader approved visa figures.
Karachi is playing a central role in the operation. ARY News reported from Karachi that the Hajj operation formally commenced there as pilgrims began arriving at the airport and immigration processing started ahead of departure. ARY also said the first Karachi Hajj flight, operated by a private airline, was scheduled to leave at 3:00 AM.
Several outlets say the early flights in this phase are heading to Madinah, while the overall operation is being managed in stages. Arab News Pakistan reported earlier that Pakistan had finalized arrangements for Hajj 2026, including visas, accommodation, transport planning, and digital flight information through the Pak Hajj 2026 app.
The airlines participating in this year’s government Hajj operation include PIA, Saudia, Airblue, and AirSial, according to The Nation and related reports quoting the Ministry of Religious Affairs schedule.
In practical terms, this means Karachi airport is now actively processing and dispatching Hajj pilgrims, and the national Hajj air operation is officially underway. Pilgrims have also been advised to check the Pak Hajj 2026 mobile app and ministry channels for flight timing and airport updates
