ISLAMABAD: A month-long post-Hajj flight operation is commencing today (Sunday) to safely return approximately 82,000 Pakistani pilgrims back to the country. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Airblue, Serene Air, and Saudi Airlines are collaborating to facilitate the repatriation process.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced that three flights will depart from Jeddah today, transporting a total of 693 Hujjaj to Karachi, Faisalabad, and Islamabad. The hajj flight operation from Jeddah will continue until the 20th of this month.
PIA Post-Hajj Operation to Continue Till August 2
PIA will initiate its Hajj-return flights operation starting today until the 2nd of August. The first return flight from Saudi Arabia is scheduled to arrive in Karachi tomorrow. PIA’s Chief Operating Officer, Amanullah Quraishi, will be present at Karachi Airport to welcome the pilgrims.
The first return flight to Islamabad Airport will land at 3:30 PM, where Air Vice-Marshal Aamir Hayat will receive the pilgrims. Similarly, the first return flight for Lahore Airport is expected to arrive at 3:20 PM.
PIA plans to repatriate 61,467 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan through a total of 268 flights. Out of these, 41,000 pilgrims traveled under the government scheme, while 19,000 were private pilgrims.
The post-Hajj flight operation aims to ensure the safe and smooth return of all Pakistani pilgrims who performed the sacred Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The collaborative efforts of multiple airlines will help facilitate the process and reunite the pilgrims with their families back home.
