Most pilgrims arrive in holy cities as final flights take off today

Pakistan’s Hajj flight operation has entered its final phase. File photo

| Published May, 21 2026 | Updated 14 hours ago

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk): Pakistan’s Hajj flight operation has entered its final phase, with more than 114,000 pilgrims already arriving in Saudi Arabia under the government Hajj scheme.

Nearly 96 percent of Pakistani pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia as the final Hajj flights depart today. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, around 96 percent of pilgrims have reached the holy cities through the “Route to Makkah” initiative and other scheduled flights.

Officials said the Hajj flight operation from Pakistan will officially conclude on Thursday night after the arrival of 10 more flights carrying the remaining 4,756 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. The ministry confirmed that the transfer of all Pakistani pilgrims from Madinah to Makkah has also been completed successfully.

As a result, the total number of Pakistani pilgrims currently staying in Makkah has reached 114,078. Ministry spokesperson Umar Butt said a large support team has been deployed to assist pilgrims throughout the Hajj journey. He stated that 1,520 welfare officers and support staff, along with 947 local assistants, are working around the clock to help Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

To improve transportation facilities in Makkah, authorities have hired 490 buses to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims during the Hajj days. The Pakistan Hajj Mission also reported that 23,823 pilgrims have been guided through routes leading to the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

Meanwhile, 42,858 Pakistani pilgrims have been facilitated in visiting Riaz-ul-Jannah in Madinah during their stay. Officials added that healthcare services are also being provided continuously through dedicated mission clinics and dispensaries in Makkah and Madinah.

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According to official figures, 86,924 patients have received treatment at outdoor patient departments set up for pilgrims. The grievance redressal cell and the Lost & Found department also remained active throughout the operation to help pilgrims facing travel and accommodation issues.

Out of 2,118 complaints related to accommodation, transport, and catering, authorities said 1,629 had already been resolved. Officials further stated that 6,820 lost baggage items and wheelchairs were recovered and returned to pilgrims out of 6,845 reported cases.

Authorities say the successful completion of the Hajj operation reflects strong coordination between Pakistani and Saudi officials during one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings. Analysts believe the smooth management of transport, healthcare, and accommodation services has helped reduce difficulties for thousands of Pakistani pilgrims this year.