KARACHI: The Hajj 2025 operations are set to begin on April 29, with the first flight departing from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, marking the start of the sacred journey for thousands of Pakistani pilgrims.
As per Hajj officials, the first flight, ER 1611, will head to Madinah Munawwarah at 10:15 PM on April 29, carrying 285 pilgrims on board.
Initially, all flights will land at Madinah Airport. Starting May 14, flights will also begin arriving at Jeddah Airport, as part of the next phase of the operation.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has finalized the complete flight plan, now available on the Pak Hajj mobile app. Under the Government Hajj Scheme, 89,000 pilgrims will travel via five selected airlines.
In a press briefing in Lahore, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf confirmed the launch date of flight operations and assured that arrangements are being coordinated closely with Saudi authorities.
He mentioned that a total of 90,000 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to perform Hajj this year under both government and private schemes. He also addressed concerns regarding the temporary visa suspension by Saudi Arabia for Umrah and other categories in 14 countries, including Pakistan, stating it is a routine pre-Hajj step. The restriction is expected to be lifted by mid-June, with Umrah pilgrims advised to return by April 29.
To ensure health safety, all pilgrims must receive their vaccinations at designated Haji camps at least ten days before departure. The second phase of Hajj training will begin on April 8.
Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will operate 280 special pre-Hajj flights between April 29 and June 1, aiming to transport over 56,000 pilgrims using its Boeing 777 and Airbus A320 fleet for a comfortable experience. The post-Hajj return flights will begin on June 12 and run through July 10.
In a welcome move, the government has reduced Hajj package costs. The 40-day package now costs Rs 1,050,000 after a Rs 25,000 cut, while the 25-day short package has been reduced by Rs 50,000, bringing the total to Rs 1,100,000.
