ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially announced its Hajj flight schedule, with the first flight set to depart on April 18 under the government scheme. According to sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, a total of 468 flights will transport pilgrims to Saudi Arabia during the 34 day Hajj operation.

On the opening day flights will depart from Karachi Lahore Sialkot and Multan carrying pilgrims to Madinah. In total 119,000 pilgrims will travel under the official scheme this year. During the first 15 days of the operation pilgrims will be flown to Madinah, with 186 flights designated for the city. Flights to Jeddah will begin on May 4 with 282 flights scheduled. The final Hajj flight from Pakistan will depart on May 21.

Hajj flights will operate from eight cities across Pakistan. Islamabad will see 129 flights Karachi 124, and Lahore 104. Additional flights will depart from Quetta (18) Multan (34) Sialkot (26) Faisalabad (23) and Sukkur (5).

Pilgrims are expected to be informed of their specific flight details in the coming week as preparations for the annual pilgrimage gain momentum.