Hajj Flights Resume in Pakistan After India-Pakistan Ceasefire

Pakistan has resumed Hajj flight operations following a U.S.-mediated ceasefire with India, which restored access to the country’s airspace after a 48-hour closure triggered by cross-border military strikes. The reopening, announced late Saturday, offers relief to thousands of pilgrims whose sacred journey to Saudi Arabia was disrupted by the latest escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors, though lingering uncertainties underscore the ceasefire’s fragility.

The crisis began Friday night when India launched missile strikes targeting three Pakistan Air Force bases, citing intelligence of imminent threats. Pakistan’s air defense systems intercepted the attacks, but the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) imposed an immediate air emergency, halting all civilian and commercial flights nationwide. The shutdown canceled 12 Hajj flights between May 7 and 9, affecting 2,800 pilgrims, and delayed 10 others across Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta, and Multan, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The canceled flights comprised eight operated by Saudi Airlines and four by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), with three from Lahore, three from Islamabad, two from Karachi, and one each from Multan and Quetta.

A ceasefire, brokered by the United States and announced by President Donald Trump on Saturday, was confirmed by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The agreement followed intense diplomatic efforts amid Pakistan’s reported retaliation, dubbed “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos,” which targeted Indian military assets. The truce enabled Pakistan to lift airspace restrictions, resuming normal operations at all major airports by Saturday evening.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs acted swiftly, scheduling the first post-ceasefire Hajj flight for Sunday night from Islamabad. Of the 2,800 affected pilgrims, 1,400 have been transported to Saudi Arabia on special PIA flights as of Sunday, with arrangements in place for the remaining 1,400 to depart by Wednesday Wednesday, May 14. To date, 20,150 Pakistani pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, scheduled for early June, the ministry reported.

“Pakistan’s airspace is fully operational for all civilian and commercial flights, and Hajj operations are back on schedule,” the ministry stated. Pilgrims are advised to contact the dedicated helpline (051-9216980) or their respective Haji Camps for real-time flight updates. The ministry has also launched a digital portal (www.hajjinfo.pk) for schedule confirmations and travel advisories, addressing complaints of inconsistent communication during the disruptions.

The human toll of the crisis has been profound. “This is my family’s first Hajj after years of saving,” said Noor Bibi, a 58-year-old seamstress from Quetta, waiting at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. “The cancellation broke our hearts, but we’re grateful to be moving forward now.” Similar sentiments echo across Pakistan, where the Hajj represents a pinnacle of spiritual devotion.

The ceasefire remains precarious, with both nations reporting sporadic violations along the Line of Control in Kashmir. Saudi Arabia, a pivotal mediator and host of the Hajj, has urged sustained de-escalation, emphasizing the pilgrimage’s global significance. The disruptions have also strained regional aviation, with airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways rerouting flights to avoid Pakistani airspace, adding hours and costs to journeys. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates losses of $200 million for carriers affected by the closures.

For context, the current tensions trace back to a April 2025 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed tourists at Pahalgam in Indian occupied Kashmir. India’s subsequent “Operation Sindoor” strikes on alleged militant sites in Pakistan sparked the latest cycle of retaliation, culminating in Friday’s missile attacks. Pakistan’s counteroffensive reportedly degraded Indian munitions stockpiles, though both sides dispute the extent of damage. The ceasefire, while a diplomatic breakthrough, faces scrutiny as both nations bolster border defenses.

To assist readers, pilgrims can verify flight statuses via the PAA’s website (www.paa.gov.pk) or airport hotlines: Islamabad (051-9280800), Lahore (042-99031000), Karachi (021-99071160), Multan (061-9010600), and Quetta (081-2880100). The ministry recommends arriving at airports four hours early due to heightened security checks. For emergency consular support in Saudi Arabia, contact Pakistan’s Jeddah Consulate at +966-12-6692371.

As Pakistan and India navigate this uneasy truce, the resumption of Hajj flights offers a glimmer of hope. Yet, with the region’s geopolitics as volatile as ever, pilgrims and policymakers alike are praying for lasting peace to safeguard this sacred rite.