Religious Affairs Ministry rejects reports of Hajj flight suspension

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Sunday rejected media reports claiming that the Hajj flight schedule may be suspended due to the prevailing situation in the Middle East, terming the reports baseless and misleading.

A spokesperson for the ministry clarified that arrangements for Hajj 2026 were proceeding according to the planned schedule and no decision had been taken regarding any suspension or delay of Hajj flights.

The spokesperson said some sections of the media had linked the Hajj flight schedule with regional tensions in the Middle East, but added that these claims had no factual basis.

He said the process of issuing visas to intending pilgrims was currently underway at full pace, while other administrative arrangements were also being completed in line with timelines to ensure that all departure-related formalities were finalised on time.

According to the ministry, the official Hajj flight schedule will be announced after Eid ul Fitr.

At that stage, pilgrims will be provided complete details regarding their flights, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, and other relevant arrangements.

The ministry also urged intending pilgrims to avoid relying on unverified reports and to follow only official announcements issued by the ministry.

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Earlier, the ministry had directed private Hajj operators to complete visa processing for Hajj 2026 by March 15, ahead of the deadline of March 20 set by Hajj Organisers Association of Pakistan and Saudi authorities.

Separately, the ministry released a comprehensive guidebook titled “Rehnuma-e-Hajj” to facilitate pilgrims preparing for Hajj 2026.

The booklet provides detailed guidance on every stage of the pilgrimage, from departure from Pakistan to the performance of Hajj rituals and the return journey, with chapters covering various aspects of the sacred journey.