First Hajj Flight from Lahore Airport Scheduled for April 18 Departure
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has announced that the first Hajj flight from Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore will depart for Saudi Arabia on April 18, marking the start of this year's pilgrimage operations. According to a PAA spokesperson, a comprehensive pre-Hajj flight schedule has been finalized for Lahore, encompassing a total of 101 flights to be operated by four major airlines.
Detailed Flight Operations by Airlines
The pre-Hajj operations will see Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) leading with 33 flights, while Saudi Airlines will contribute 29 flights. Additionally, Airblue is set to operate 24 flights, and AirSial will manage 15 flights, ensuring a robust and coordinated effort to facilitate pilgrims from the region.
The inaugural flight, Saudi Airlines SV-5735, is scheduled to depart from Lahore for Medina on April 18, setting the stage for the pilgrimage season. The spokesperson further noted that the final pre-Hajj flight from the airport is planned for May 21, 2026, indicating a well-structured timeline to accommodate the travel needs of pilgrims over an extended period.
This announcement underscores the meticulous planning involved in the Hajj operations, with the PAA and airlines working in tandem to ensure smooth and efficient travel for thousands of pilgrims embarking on this sacred journey from Lahore.
