Overview
- The Lahore rollout, reviewed in a high-level airport meeting Thursday, marks the city’s first use of Saudi pre-clearance for Hajj.
- Saudi officers will complete entry formalities in Lahore so travelers skip immigration and customs on arrival in Jeddah or Madinah.
- Hajj flights are set to begin April 18 as Pakistan expects about 180,000 pilgrims this year, including more than 30,000 from Lahore using the scheme.
- Checked baggage will go straight from Lahore to pilgrims’ residences in Saudi Arabia, reducing airport queues and wait times after landing.
- Officials from the Pakistan Airports Authority, ASF, Customs, FIA and ANF met Saudi Hajj operations lead Fuwaz Saud Al Shafiri to set up dedicated counters, holding areas, seating, queue systems and clear signage.