Pakistan announces resumption of Hajj flights after tensions with India ease

Pakistan announced the full restoration of Hajj flights on Saturday following a notable de-escalation in tensions with India, which had prompted temporary airspace closures and flight suspensions earlier this week.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Hajj flights will now operate as per the original schedule. The decision comes after the United States successfully brokered a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, reducing fears of further conflict.

During the brief suspension of flight operations, a total of 10 Hajj flights were canceled -- three from Lahore, two from Islamabad, and one each from Karachi and Multan -- affecting the travel plans of 2,290 pilgrims.

Amid intermittent aerial skirmishes between India and Pakistan, air travel had been disrupted multiple times.

However, during a brief window on Thursday night when flight operations temporarily resumed, Pakistan dispatched four special PIA flights carrying 1,277 pilgrims from Islamabad and Lahore to Saudi Arabia.

A ministry spokesperson said that 1,013 pilgrims are still awaiting departure and will be flown out soon via special PIA flights from Lahore, Karachi, and Multan. So far, 19,669 Pakistani pilgrims have already reached Saudi Arabia.

The ministry has advised all pilgrims to remain in contact with their respective Hajj camps for updated flight information.