RAWALPINDI: The first inaugural Haj flight for the year 2026 was successfully conducted from Islamabad International Airport (IIAP) under the Route to Makkah initiative, marking the commencement of Haj operations from the federal capital.

Minister for Religious Affairs, along with the deputy ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, were present at the airport on the occasion.

Approximately 38,000 to 39,000 Hujjaj are expected to travel through Islamabad International Airport during the Haj operation this year, the highest number of pilgrims

The inaugural flight, SV-5723, departed from Islamabad to Madinah with a total of 270 pilgrims on board, along with 10 crew members. The flight took off at 11am from Gate A-2.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Mr Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, along with the Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, including the joint secretary and director of Haj, as well as representatives from the Saudi Embassy, were also in attendance.

Distinguished participants included the Saudi head of operations, manager operations Route to Makkah, chief operating officer, COO/airport manager, commander North ANF, director North/CSO ASF, and COO/APM PAA. Teams from ASF, ANF, and Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) were present to ensure smooth facilitation.

The minister was briefed on the end-to-end passenger facilitation process under the Route to Makkah initiative by Saudi and embassy officials. Addressing the pilgrims, he extended his best wishes for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey.

The ceremony concluded with a warm send-off, where pilgrims were presented with roses and sent off with prayers and well-wishes.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2026