Several Hajj flights have been canceled or delayed due to intermittent suspensions of flight operations at Pakistan airports, the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed on Thursday. The temporary suspension of airport operations had an impact on the travel calendar of approximately 3,080 pilgrims.
According to a ministry spokesperson, the flight schedules for 13 Hajj flights were disrupted between May 7 and 9. This included the cancellation of four flights and delays in nine others.
The spokesman said two Airlines Saudi flights from Islamabad and Lahore had been canceled, while delays affected three flights from Lahore, two each of Islamabad and Quetta, and each of Multan and Karachi.
Despite the disruptions, the ministry noted that most delayed flights left after a few hours. To accommodate the people affected by the cancellations, 345 pilgrims who had been left were transported by aircraft in Saudi Arabia today via a special International Airlines flight in Pakistan (PIA) from Islamabad.
In addition, 540 additional pilgrims should deviate from Islamabad and Lahore in special flights to come.
In order to rationalize communication and provide timely updates, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has established a line of assistance dedicated to 051-9216980. Pilgrims can call this number to receive real -time information regarding flight schedules and departure times.
The ministry also advised all pilgrims of intention to stay in close contact with their respective haji camps for information updated on their travel provisions.
