PIA completes pre-Haj flight operations transporting 53,000 pilgrims
Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA) successfully wrapped up its pre-Haj flight
operations on Thursday, a spokesperson confirmed.
This year, the national carrier transported more
than 53,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia across 210 flights. The airline achieved a
97% on-time departure rate, surpassing its target by 7%, the spokesperson said.
Direct flights operated from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Quetta during the pre-Haj period.
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to bring back Hajj pilgrims in 171 flights
PIA’s post-Haj operations are scheduled to begin
on May 30 and continue until June 30. Preparations for these flights have
already been completed, according to the spokesperson.
The pre-Haj operation, which began on April 19,
facilitated travel for 49,000 pilgrims under the government scheme, along with
over 6,000 pilgrims booked through private Hajj group operators.
Modern immigration services were provided under PIA’s “Route to Makkah” program to ensure smooth travel procedures. This year, the initiative was expanded to Lahore, joining Karachi and Islamabad, and is expected to assist over 95,000 pilgrims.
Source:
Dawn