ISB airport new record: 45,000 pilgrims depart in pre-hajj 2026 operation

ISLAMABAD, May 22 (APP):Islamabad International Airport (ISB) buzzed with an air of purpose and devotion in recent weeks as thousands of pilgrims embarked on their spiritual journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

With the formal conclusion of Pre-Hajj Operations 2026, airport authorities are calling this year’s effort one of the most efficient, seamless, and high-volume operations in the airport’s history.

Over the course of several weeks, Islamabad International Airport oversaw 284 Hajj flights carrying a record 45,160 pilgrims, more than any previous year, setting a new benchmark in the airport’s operational capacity and coordination.

For many pilgrims, the journey began long before they stepped onto an aircraft. Months of preparation, orientation sessions, and logistical arrangements converged at ISB airport, where special facilitation mechanisms were put in place to ensure comfort and ease at every stage of departure.

Under the Government Hajj Scheme and the increasingly relied-upon Route-to-Makkah initiative, 142 flights carried 37,072 pilgrims. An additional 142 flights under the private hajj scheme transported 8,088 pilgrims, demonstrating a remarkably balanced distribution of traffic across both public and private arrangements. What made this year especially notable was the airport’s handling of its seventh consecutive Route-to-Makkah operation, a facility that has significantly transformed the hajj departure experience by enabling Saudi immigration clearance to be completed in Islamabad.

This year, airport teams successfully managed up to eight dedicated hajj flights in a single day, including four simultaneous Route-to-Makkah operations, while still maintaining routine flight schedules without disruption.

Inside the terminal, the atmosphere reflected a blend of spiritual anticipation and operational precision. Dedicated check-in counters, streamlined immigration and security processes, prayer areas, shaded waiting zones, food and refreshment stations, and enhanced seating capacity created a welcoming environment for departing pilgrims.

For elderly travellers and those requiring special assistance, airport teams and volunteers remained on standby throughout the operation, ensuring that every pilgrim, regardless of age or mobility, received the care and attention needed for a dignified departure.

Technology, too, played a significant role in strengthening this year’s operations. Saudi teams deployed Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging systems at check-in counters, enabling enhanced baggage tracking and minimizing the risk of misplaced luggage upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. This digital integration has been hailed by officials as a significant step toward modernizing Hajj facilitation and improving the pilgrims’ overall travel experience.

Behind the scenes, a network of dedicated personnel worked tirelessly, often around the clock, to keep the system running smoothly. Airport Management teams led the operation with support from government agencies, airlines, ground handling crews, the Airport Security Force, the Federal Investigation Agency, and the Saudi technical and facilitation teams.

Their coordinated effort ensured that even at peak traffic moments, the airport maintained a steady flow of passengers, aircraft movements, and services without compromising safety or service quality.

As Pre-Hajj Operations 2026 come to a close, Pakistan Airports Authority has commended the dedication and discipline shown by all stakeholders. Officials noted that the success of this year’s operation reflects more than operational capability; it highlights the spirit of service and cooperation that defines Pakistan’s Hajj facilitation system.

With yet another record-setting year completed and thousands of pilgrims now on their sacred journey, ISB airport  performance stands as a testament to what coordinated planning, modern technology, and human dedication can achieve in service of one of the world’s largest annual pilgrimages.