ISLAMABAD: The return of Pakistani pilgrims from Saudi Arabia after performing Hajj has begun, Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Saturday.
The first Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) post-Hajj flight carrying 165 pilgrims arrived at Islamabad International Airport from Madinah.
Flight PK-742 landed at 7:15 pm local time, according to PAA.
🕋 The post-Hajj operation has commenced at Islamabad International Airport.
Flight PK-742, carrying 165 Hujjaj, arrived at IIAP at 07:15 PM today, marking the arrival of the first returning Hajj flight of the season. pic.twitter.com/O5KQC0U4fS— Pakistan Airports Authority (@Pk_PAA_Official) May 30, 2026
Chief Operating Officer of Islamabad International Airport Aftab Gilani received the pilgrims on arrival, PAA said.
Airport officials presented flower garlands to the returning pilgrims as part of the reception arrangements.
Pakistan Airports Authority welcomes the Hujjaj back home and wishes them a safe onward journey.#Hajj2026 #IslamabadAirport #PAA
— Pakistan Airports Authority (@Pk_PAA_Official) May 30, 2026
PAA said the arrival marked the start of the post-Hajj repatriation operation for Pakistani pilgrims.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs had earlier said the country was allocated a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for 2026.
Saudi Arabia hosts millions of Muslims every year for Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars.
The pilgrimage is obligatory at least once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey.
