Government Denies Suspension of Hajj Flights Amid Middle East Tensions

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has dismissed media claims suggesting that the Hajj 2026 flight schedule might be suspended due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, calling such reports “baseless and misleading.”

A ministry spokesperson clarified that all arrangements for Hajj 2026 are proceeding according to the planned schedule and that “there has been no decision regarding any suspension or delay of Hajj flights.” The spokesperson added that some media outlets had linked the Hajj flight schedule to regional tensions, but these claims lack factual basis.

The spokesperson also confirmed that visa issuance for intending pilgrims is ongoing at full pace, with other administrative arrangements being completed in line with timelines to ensure all departure-related formalities are finalized promptly.

The official Hajj flight schedule will be announced after Eid ul-Fitr, at which time pilgrims will receive detailed information regarding flights, accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, and other relevant arrangements. The ministry urged pilgrims to rely only on official announcements and avoid unverified reports.

Earlier, the ministry instructed private Hajj operators to complete visa processing for Hajj-2026 by March 15, ahead of the Saudi authorities’ final deadline of March 20. A March 9 correspondence to the Chairman of the Hajj Organisers Association of Pakistan (HOAP) emphasized: “To avoid any unforeseen eventuality due to the Eid holiday or any other reason, it is imperative that the visa process may be completed by March 15.”

In a related development, the ministry released a comprehensive booklet titled “Rehnuma-e-Hajj” (Hajj Guide) to assist pilgrims for Hajj 2026. The guide provides step-by-step instructions for every phase of the pilgrimage, from departure from Pakistan to performing Hajj rituals and returning home. The booklet is structured into distinct chapters covering all crucial aspects of the journey in an easily understandable manner.