Thousands of Pakistani pilgrims will begin returning home on June 1 as the country’s post-Hajj flight operation officially gets underway. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has completed all arrangements to ensure a smooth and organized return process after the annual pilgrimage.
According to Beyond Time News, authorities will bring back more than 119,000 pilgrims through a month-long operation that will continue until the end of June.
First Flight to Arrive in Sialkot
The first flight carrying 391 pilgrims from Jeddah will land at Sialkot International Airport on the morning of June 1. This arrival will mark the start of the nationwide repatriation operation.
Meanwhile, officials have coordinated with airlines and airport authorities to manage passenger arrivals efficiently. They aim to provide a comfortable experience for pilgrims returning from the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Over 5,000 Pilgrims to Return on Day One
Authorities have scheduled 22 flights for the first day of the operation. These flights will bring 5,237 pilgrims back to Pakistan.
The flight schedule includes:
- Five flights to Islamabad
- Four flights to Karachi
- Four flights to Lahore
- Three flights to Multan
- Three flights to Sialkot
- Two flights to Faisalabad
- One flight to Quetta
As a result, pilgrims from different regions will have easier access to their hometowns upon arrival.
Month-Long Operation Planned
The Ministry of Religious Affairs will continue the post-Hajj operation until June 30. The final flight will land in Lahore, bringing the large-scale effort to a close.
In addition, officials have developed a detailed plan to handle arrivals, baggage collection, and passenger services. They expect the coordinated approach to reduce delays and improve travel convenience.
Madinah Return Flights Begin on June 3
While flights from Jeddah start on June 1, authorities will begin operating return flights from Madinah on June 3.
Pilgrims who remain in Madinah after completing Hajj will return home through these scheduled flights. Consequently, the phased operation will help authorities manage passenger traffic more effectively.
Read more:Hajj 2026 Reaches Its Spiritual Peak as Millions Gather on Mount Arafat for Day of Prayer
471 Flights Arranged for Returning Pilgrims
This year, around 119,000 Pakistanis performed Hajj under the government scheme. To facilitate their return, authorities have arranged 471 flights throughout the operation.
Furthermore, the repatriation effort ranks among the country’s largest annual aviation operations. It requires close coordination between Pakistani and Saudi authorities, airlines, and airport management teams.
Families across Pakistan now eagerly await the return of their loved ones after the completion of this important religious journey.
Pre-Hajj Flights Started in April
The government launched the pre-Hajj flight operation on April 19. During the following weeks, airlines transported thousands of Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
Now, the focus has shifted to bringing those pilgrims home safely and efficiently. Therefore, officials continue to monitor operations closely to ensure smooth arrivals throughout June.
As the first flights land on June 1, families across the country will welcome home relatives who have fulfilled one of Islam’s most significant religious obligations.
FAQs
When will the first post-Hajj flight arrive in Pakistan?
The first flight carrying 391 pilgrims from Jeddah will arrive in Sialkot on June 1.
How many flights will operate on the first day?
Authorities have scheduled 22 flights on June 1. These flights will bring 5,237 pilgrims back to Pakistan.
When will Madinah flights begin?
The post-Hajj flight operation from Madinah will start on June 3.
How many pilgrims performed Hajj under the government scheme?
Around 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims performed Hajj through the official government scheme this year.
When will the post-Hajj operation end?
Authorities will complete the operation on June 30, with the final flight scheduled to arrive in Lahore.
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