As part of the ‘Road To Makkah’ project, the first flight carrying Hajj pilgrims from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia departed today, marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage for 2024. This flight is the first of 11 scheduled to depart from five major cities in Pakistan.
The initial flight left from Karachi International Airport, known as Jinnah International Airport, heading to Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. Onboard were 32 pilgrims on the first flight, with the second private flight carrying 180 pilgrims shortly thereafter.
Eight immigration counters have been set up at the International Departure Lounge at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport to facilitate the pre-boarding process. This setup is part of the ‘Road To Makkah’ project, designed to streamline immigration and customs processes for Hajj pilgrims before they leave for Saudi Arabia.
The ‘Road To Makkah’ project aims to expedite immigration procedures for Hajj pilgrims at their point of departure, reducing the time and stress of processing once they arrive in Saudi Arabia. Launched in 2019, this initiative allows pilgrims to complete their immigration and customs formalities in their home country, making their journey to Saudi Arabia smoother and more efficient.
This year, approximately 179,210 Pakistanis will perform Hajj under both the government and private schemes. The month-long flight operation began on May 9, with flights departing from major cities like Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar. The total number of pilgrims departing from these cities in the first 11 flights will be 2,160.
As Muslims from around the world prepare for the Hajj pilgrimage, the departure of these flights marks an important milestone for those embarking on this religious journey. The ‘Road To Makkah’ project ensures a smoother transition for pilgrims, allowing them to focus on their spiritual preparation and journey ahead.
The Hajj pilgrimage is a significant event in the Islamic calendar, and this year’s successful implementation of the ‘Road To Makkah’ initiative showcases a commitment to making the pilgrimage experience as seamless as possible for all participants.
