KARACHI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has decided to increase the number of flights to Saudi Arabia as the kingdom is likely to receive more international pilgrims in the coming days, officials told Arab News on Tuesday.
“Starting tomorrow [Wednesday], the number of flights to Saudi Arabia will be increased to 40 per week,” PIA Spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan informed. “Earlier, the airline was operating 23 flights per week.”
Khan said that the decision was taken since more and more Pakistani nationals wanted to travel to the kingdom. He added that these people included workers who were employed in Saudi Arabia, and many others who wanted to travel to the birthplace of Islam.
“We have the capacity to meet any additional demand,” he continued.
Following the kingdom’s decision to open holy sites for foreign pilgrims from November 1, Pakistani tour operators said that Umrah flights were likely to resume after the fulfillment of regulatory requirements by local agents by about November 7.
“The Saudi authorities have announced protocols for Umrah after which registration of agents has started,” Affan Zeeshan, chairman of the Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan in Sindh, told Arab News. “The Umrah flights are expected to start between 7 and 10 November, 2020, after the system is fully operationalized.”
Nearly after eight months of suspension, the Saudi government resumed Umrah operations on a trial basis, initially allowing 6,000 locals per day during the first week of the ongoing month. The number of pilgrims was increased to 15,000 per day in the second phase that began on October 18. Foreign visitors will now be allowed in the third phase that will start on November 1 as part of the gradual relaxation.
“The pilgrims are required to quarantine for three days after reaching Saudi Arabia,” Zeeshan said while discussing the health safety protocols issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to stem the spread of coronavirus pandemic.
“Umrah pilgrims must submit PCR test certificates issued by approved laboratories in their country with a negative result, proving that they are free from COVID -19,” said a circular issued by the Saudi deputy minister for Umrah affair for the benefit of external agents.
The pilgrims are required to obtain reservation to perform Umrah, visit the two holy mosques, and pay respect at the Prophet’s (PBUH) shrine by following approved regulations and checking the capacity by using a mobile application.
The responsibilities of the Saudi Umrah companies and agents outside the kingdom include informing Umrah performers of the precautionary measures that must be observed upon their arrival in the kingdom until their departure.
