The government has revealed a significant reduction in Hajj airfares for 2025, offering much-needed financial relief to pilgrims.
Following negotiations between Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the cost of air travel for each of the 89,605 pilgrims has been reduced to Rs220,000, down from Rs234,000 last year. This reduction, amounting to Rs14,000 per ticket or roughly $50 per person, will result in savings of Rs1.24 billion for the pilgrims.
This fare reduction is the result of PIA’s commitment to lower prices for the second consecutive year. The decrease will also apply to other airlines, including Saudi Airlines. The Ministry of Religious Affairs is expected to finalize agreements with private Pakistani airlines and Saudi national carriers later this week.
The travel arrangements will see 40% of pilgrims flying with PIA, another 40% with Saudi Airlines, and the remaining 20% with private Pakistani airlines.
The application process for the government Hajj Scheme 2025 began on Monday and will run until December 3. The lottery for the official Hajj scheme will be held on December 6. First-time applicants for the regular scheme will be given priority in the lottery, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Additionally, 5,000 seats have been allocated for the sponsorship scheme, where overseas Pakistanis can contribute $4,225 for themselves or their relatives. These seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Hajj packages offer two options: a long stay of 38-42 days and a short stay of 20-25 days. The Ministry urges eligible applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible to take advantage of the opportunity.
