Pakistan has begun direct Hajj flights to Jeddah from May 4 as the country ramps up its airlift operation for the 2026 pilgrimage. Nearly 37,000 Pakistani pilgrims have already reached Saudi Arabia since flights began on April 18, with the pace set to intensify over the coming weeks as the Kingdom prepares for an expected 1.7-1.9 million pilgrims from around the world.

Pakistan's Airlift Progress

According to Arab News, Pakistan has sent 32,454 pilgrims under the government scheme across 126 flights since April 18, with an additional 4,489 pilgrims departing through private tour operators. On May 4 alone, 17 flights carrying 4,377 pilgrims departed from cities across Pakistan to Jeddah.

Pakistan's total Hajj quota for 2026 is 179,210 pilgrims - making it the second-largest source country after Indonesia (221,000). Approximately 120,000 Pakistani pilgrims will travel under the government scheme, with around 60,000 going through private operators.

Medical and Support Services Already Active

Pakistani support services in Saudi Arabia are already fully operational. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, teams have so far provided:

  • Over 5,000 outpatient medical consultations
  • 132 dental procedures and 28 X-rays
  • Haram guidance services for more than 13,000 pilgrims
  • Recovery of 37 lost wheelchairs and 3,700 mislaid bags through the lost-and-found service

Director General Hajj Jeddah Abdul Wahab Soomro has announced plans for 35 modern clinics in Makkah and Madinah to serve Pakistani pilgrims, featuring 24/7 ambulance services.

Global Arrival Timeline

Pakistan is part of a broader wave of arrivals from across the Muslim world:

  • Indonesia: 221,000 quota - first flights departed April 22, with the largest allocation going to East Java (42,409 pilgrims)
  • India: 175,025 quota - outbound flights to Madinah ran April 18 to May 4, with Jeddah flights from May 5 to May 19
  • Iraq: Overland convoys arriving through the Hail Pilgrim City transit hub in northern Saudi Arabia
  • Sudan: First sea-arriving contingent docked at Jeddah Islamic Port with 735 pilgrims aboard the vessel "Al-Judi"
  • Nigeria: Vice President Shettima flagged off the inaugural airlift from Abuja on May 3

Key Dates Ahead

All pilgrims must arrive before the Hajj rites begin. The expected timeline for Hajj 2026:

  • May 18: Expected first day of Dhul Hijjah (subject to moon sighting)
  • May 25 (8 Dhul Hijjah): Pilgrims move to Mina - Hajj officially begins
  • May 26 (9 Dhul Hijjah): Day of Arafah - the pillar of Hajj
  • May 27 (10 Dhul Hijjah): Eid al-Adha - stoning, sacrifice, Tawaf al-Ifadah
  • May 28-30: Days of Tashreeq in Mina

Pilgrims arriving in Madinah first will need to travel to Makkah before the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. Those arriving at Jeddah should plan to be in Makkah with time to settle, rest, and perform Umrah before the Hajj days begin.