Thousands Reach Saudi Arabia Through Scheduled Services
Pakistan International Airlines completed its pre-Haj flight operation on Thursday after transporting thousands of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia during this year’s travel period. Officials stated that the operation concluded successfully after weeks of scheduled flights from multiple cities across Pakistan.
According to a spokesperson for the airline, PIA transported more than 53,000 pilgrims through 210 flights during the pre-Haj phase. Officials further stated that the airline achieved a 97 percent operational success rate, meaning more than 97 percent of flights departed on time. The performance exceeded the target set for the operation by seven percent.
Furthermore, direct services operated from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Quetta to facilitate travelers during the pilgrimage season. Authorities said the network of routes was designed to ensure smoother movement for pilgrims departing from different regions of the country.
Return Arrangements Prepared for Next Phase
Meanwhile, officials confirmed that preparations for the post-Haj phase have already been completed. According to the airline, return flight operations will begin on May 30 and continue until June 30.
PIA formally launched its pre-Haj operation on April 19. During the campaign, approximately 49,000 pilgrims traveled under the government Haj scheme, while more than 6,000 additional travelers using private Haj operators also received transportation services through the airline.
In addition, pilgrims benefited from the “Route to Makkah” initiative, which provided modern immigration procedures aimed at improving travel efficiency and reducing processing times. This year, authorities expanded the programme to Lahore in addition to Karachi and Islamabad.
Officials previously stated that the expanded service was expected to facilitate more than 95,000 pilgrims, helping improve convenience and streamline travel arrangements during the pilgrimage season.
