The national airline, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), announced its pre-HAJJ operation for 2025. The operation will begin on April 29 and will continue until June 1.
During this period, the national airline will operate 280 special flights to transport more than 56,000 Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, Express News reported.
According to sources, this year, 20,000 pilgrims will go within the framework of the government’s Hajj program, while 36,000 will travel as part of the private program, all via PIA flights. Boeing 777 and Airbus 320 planes will be used to ensure a comfortable and organized trip.
PIA Post-Hajj operation will start on June 12 and will continue until July 10, during which flights will be organized to bring back the return pilgrims. A coordinated flight system will be set up to ensure smooth operations.
Officials said special arrangements have been made to ensure that all flights are completed in time and safely, and to provide all possible installations to avoid any drawback for pilgrims.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took note of the reduction of the private hajj quota for this year, which left thousands of Pakistanis unable to carry out the Hajj as part of the private program.
The PM has ordered an immediate investigation into the issue and established a committee of three members responsible for identifying the parties responsible within three days.
The investigation follows the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Interfarent Harmony to guarantee the private quota of the Hajj of Saudi Arabia for 2025 despite the appropriate completion of the necessary procedures.
