The first Hajj flight from Pakistan is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia on May 1, according to sources from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The Hajj operation will continue for 30 days, with the last flight departing on May 30. Sources indicate that the official flight schedule is expected to be released by April 10.
A total of five airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Saudi Airlines, will facilitate the pilgrimage.
Under the government scheme, approximately 89,000 Pakistani pilgrims will travel for Hajj, while the total number of Pakistani pilgrims set to perform the sacred journey this year stands at 179,210.
Earlier, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has declared the meningitis vaccine mandatory for all pilgrims planning to attend Hajj 2025.
This crucial step is designed to protect the health of millions of participants and applies equally to Saudi nationals and international pilgrims.
The ministry has underscored that vaccination is a strict prerequisite for Hajj participation, ensuring comprehensive protection against meningitis, a potentially life-threatening illness. “No vaccination, no Hajj,” emphasized a ministry spokesperson, reflecting the importance of this measure.
The statement further highlighted the need to prevent the spread of infectious diseases during Hajj, a time when millions of people gather in close quarters. To enforce the new rule, proof of vaccination will be a mandatory part of the Hajj package registration process, leaving no room for exceptions.
