Umrah Travel
KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a significant reduction in Umrah fares for pilgrims, on Sunday. This move is set to provide financial relief to those traveling for the pilgrimage.
According to the details, the new fare structure will apply to flights from Pakistan to the holy cities of Madina and Jeddah. Specifically, the fare from Karachi to Madina will now be PKR 76,000 plus tax for a round trip.
For travelers departing from Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, and Sialkot to Madina, the fare has been set at PKR 86,000 plus tax for a two-way ticket. These reduced fares will be effective until July 15, as per the announcement from a PIA spokesperson.
This fare reduction follows a previous discount on Umrah tickets, which took place on April 7. At that time, PIA had reduced fares by 30 percent for pilgrims traveling to Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Dammam, although the discount was only valid until April 11.
The recent announcement is part of PIA’s ongoing efforts to make travel more affordable for pilgrims. It also comes at a time when the airline is preparing for a significant transition.
The much-anticipated privatization of Pakistan International Airlines is scheduled to occur in the first week of August 2024.
Sources close to the matter have revealed that six companies have been shortlisted for the privatization process.
These companies have requested detailed information regarding PIA’s financial status and have been given time until July to conduct a thorough review.
In the meantime, the authorities are actively providing the necessary information to the consortium of shortlisted companies to facilitate this review.
This privatization effort is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the financial challenges faced by PIA and improving its overall efficiency and service quality.
The successful privatization of the national flag carrier is expected to bring about significant changes in its operations and management, ultimately benefiting both the airline and its passengers.
In summary, PIA’s reduction in Umrah fares is a welcome relief for pilgrims, while the upcoming privatization marks a critical juncture in the airline’s history.
As the process unfolds, stakeholders and travelers alike are watching closely to see how these developments will shape the future of Pakistan’s national airline.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
