Saudi Arabia has withdrawn the 15-year age restriction on Hajj pilgrims and restored its earlier policy, allowing children aged 12 and above to perform the pilgrimage, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Saturday. The Saudi government reversed the rule just days before it was due to take effect on May 3. Officials confirmed that authorities will now reconsider visas rejected under the earlier restriction. Read More: What Pilgrims Must Know Before Hajj 2026 Begins “The Saudi government reversed the recently announced policy which was due to come into force on May 3,” the PAA said. Officials added that Hajj visas rejected under the 15-year restriction will now be reprocessed. The decision brings relief to families whose travel plans had stalled. The Directorate General of Hajj also confirmed the development after receiving communication from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Earlier restriction triggered visa cancellations Saudi authorities had earlier barred pilgrims under 15 from entering the Kingdom for Hajj 2026. The directive forced authorities to cancel visas issued to underage pilgrims, including those from Pakistan. Read More: Saudi Arabia Stocks 2.2 Million Bottles of Zamzam Water for Ramadan “Government of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has restrained the entry of under 15 years pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and instructed that no flight departing from any country to Saudi Arabia shall be permitted to carry any pilgrim who will be under 15 years of age on 27th May 2026 (corresponding to 9th Zulhijjah 1447 Day of Arafat),” Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said in an earlier statement. Authorities had also announced a full refund of deposited amounts to affected pilgrims. Officials linked the restriction to crowd control and safety during peak Hajj days. The latest reversal shows a shift in policy as preparations for Hajj 2026 continue. Pakistan Hajj operations continue smoothly Hajj flight operations from Pakistan began on April 18. The first batch carried 160 pilgrims from Karachi through a private airline. Under the official scheme, around 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims will travel to Madinah and Makkah this year. Read More: Grand Mosque Launches Heart Attack Treatment Zone for Pilgrims Government data shows that 67,230 male pilgrims will travel under the programme. Meanwhile, 51,846 female pilgrims will also perform Hajj under the same scheme. Pakistan remains among the largest contributors to the global Hajj quota. Saudi Arabia allocates quotas based on population and logistics each year. Officials say the revised age policy will ease concerns among families. Airlines and Hajj operators have started updating passenger lists after the announcement. Saudi Arabia continues to upgrade Hajj management with digital systems and stricter compliance rules. Authorities aim to improve safety while managing large crowds.
Pakistan Ready to Begin Large-Scale Hajj Operation from April 18
Pakistan will begin its Hajj flight operation on April 18, marking the start of the annual pilgrimage journey for thousands of pilgrims. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has finalised arrangements, with flights set to depart from major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan and others. According to official details, the operation will continue until May 21, ensuring the smooth transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia ahead of Hajj rituals. Over 119,000 Pilgrims to Travel Under Govt Scheme More than 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims will travel under the government Hajj scheme this year. Authorities have arranged a large-scale air operation to facilitate their journey. A total of 468 flights will be operated during the pre-Hajj phase from eight cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Sialkot, Multan, Faisalabad and Sukkur. Officials have advised pilgrims to regularly check their flight schedules through the Pak Hajj mobile application and the ministry’s official website for updates. Flight Distribution and Operational Plan The flight distribution reflects the large number of pilgrims from different regions. Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore will handle the majority of departures, while smaller numbers will depart from cities like Quetta and Sukkur. Flights will be divided between Jeddah and Madinah, depending on the pilgrims’ travel plans and accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia. Authorities say the schedule has been designed to ensure efficiency and reduce congestion at airports. Pakistan’s Hajj Quota and Preparations Pakistan’s total Hajj quota for 2026 stands at around 179,210 pilgrims. Out of these, approximately 120,000 will perform Hajj under the government scheme, while the remaining pilgrims will travel through private tour operators. Training sessions for pilgrims are already underway across the country. These sessions aim to guide pilgrims on rituals, safety measures and travel requirements before departure. Digital Support and Facilities for Pilgrims The government has introduced digital tools to support pilgrims throughout the journey. The Pak Hajj mobile app provides real-time updates, flight details and important announcements. In addition, the Road to Makkah initiative continues to facilitate immigration processes at selected airports, helping reduce waiting time upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. Focus on Smooth and Safe Operations Authorities have emphasised that all arrangements are being made to ensure a smooth and safe Hajj experience. Special attention is being given to logistics, health guidelines and coordination with Saudi authorities. Officials have urged pilgrims to follow instructions carefully and remain updated through official channels to avoid any inconvenience. A Major Religious Operation Begins The Hajj flight operation is one of the largest annual logistical exercises in Pakistan. Each year, thousands of pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia to perform one of the five pillars of Islam. With preparations complete, the launch of flights on April 18 signals the beginning of a spiritually significant journey for many Pakistanis.
