Pakistan International Airlines has officially kicked off its pre-Hajj flight operation from April 19, planning to transport more than 55,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia through 191 flights departing from multiple cities across the country.
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According to a spokesperson, around 49,000 pilgrims will travel under the government’s Hajj scheme, while more than 6,000 others performing Hajj through private tour operators will also be accommodated on PIA flights.
The first flight of the operation, PK-747, is scheduled to depart from Sialkot to Madinah at 1:55am on April 19, carrying over 390 pilgrims.
During the pre-Hajj phase, Islamabad will see over 15,400 pilgrims depart via 46 flights. Karachi will handle more than 15,000 pilgrims across 55 flights, while Lahore is set to send 12,377 pilgrims through 34 flights. Faisalabad will contribute 3,680 pilgrims via 23 flights; Multan, 5,383 pilgrims through 13 flights; Sialkot, 2,075 pilgrims via five flights; and Quetta, 4,487 pilgrims on 15 flights.
Quetta’s first Hajj flight is scheduled for April 21 at 5:45am with over 300 pilgrims on board. Karachi’s first departure, PK-743, will take off on April 23 at 7:15am with 391 pilgrims, while Lahore’s first flight is set for April 24 at 10:20am, carrying more than 300 pilgrims.
PIA has deployed support teams at airports along with its offices in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to assist pilgrims throughout their journey. The airline stated that all operational arrangements have been finalized, and its leadership has directed staff to ensure top-level service without any lapses. The pre-Hajj operation will conclude on May 21.
Meanwhile, AirSial has also initiated its Hajj services. Its first flight, PF-7700, departed from Karachi at 2:05am, carrying 160 pilgrims, as confirmed by the Pakistan Airports Authority.
Pilgrims are benefiting from the “Route to Makkah” initiative, which offers streamlined immigration procedures. Senior officials, including Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi, attended the inaugural ceremony, reviewed arrangements, and expressed satisfaction with the facilities, including Saudi immigration counters set up to ease the travel process.
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