By Amir Muhammad Khan
RIYADH: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, announced on Sunday that arrangements for Hajj 2026 are fully prepared, with no extra cost for 180,000 pilgrims, including 120,000 on government quotas and 60,000 on private ones.
Speaking to media in Riyadh, the minister said Hajj flight operations will begin on 18 April, with a new Lahore route added to the existing services to facilitate travel. He confirmed that a total of 180,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj this year, highlighting the new Lahore-to-Saudi Arabia route while flights from other cities will continue as scheduled.
The minister emphasized that all operations, including flights, accommodations, and transport, will be organized smoothly to ensure the comfort and safety of all pilgrims. He added that the Ministry of Religious Affairs will work closely with private companies to regulate Umrah services, accommodations, catering, and transport.
