Hajj 2025: First flight to land in Saudi Arabia next week

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that the first flights carrying pilgrims for Hajj 2025 will land in Saudi Arabia next week.

According to the ministry, the initial flight will arrive from South Africa on April 28, officially starting this year’s pilgrimage season, while flights from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh are scheduled for April 29.

Saudi authorities have confirmed that all necessary arrangements are complete to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for the millions of visiting pilgrims.

Officials said that the arrival process will be phased carefully, allowing better management and smoother services at airports, camps, and transportation hubs.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has also issued mandatory guidelines that all intending Hajj pilgrims must follow before leaving the country.

As per the guidelines, pilgrims must receive the required vaccinations and obtain a Yellow Card from their nearest Haji Camp before departure.

Travelers without a valid vaccination certificate will not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia. Seniors over sixty-five must carry their COVID-19 vaccination cards.

A Ministry spokesperson urged pilgrims to stay alert against fake Hajj permits, stressing that travel should only be done with official and valid documents.

The spokesperson warned that using unauthorized travel agents or permits could cause serious problems, including deportation or bans from entering Saudi Arabia.

Regarding the Hajj 2025 operation from Pakistan, the ministry confirmed that all necessary preparations have been completed ahead of the scheduled first departures.

Pakistan’s first Hajj flight will leave on April 29. On the first day alone, six flights are planned to carry pilgrims towards the Kingdom.

The Hajj flight operation will continue until May 31, transporting around 89,000 government-sponsored pilgrims from Pakistan to Makkah and Madinah.