ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Saturday launched its post-Hajj flight operation, bringing the first group of Pakistani pilgrims home from Saudi Arabia as the national carrier began a month-long effort to repatriate tens of thousands of worshippers.
The annual post-Hajj operation follows the completion of this year’s pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, and involves the transportation of Pakistani pilgrims from the Saudi cities of Jeddah and Madinah to destinations across Pakistan.
“PIA has launched its post-Hajj operation from May 30,” the airline said in a statement. “The first Hajj flight of the operation has arrived back home carrying pilgrims.”
The airline said flight PK742 brought 114 passengers from Jeddah to Islamabad, where the pilgrims were received by Islamabad airport Chief Operating Officer Aftab Gilani, accompanied by other senior officials.
PIA said a second Hajj flight, PK732, was scheduled to depart Jeddah later on Saturday for Lahore, while Karachi’s first post-Hajj flight, PK860, is due to arrive from Jeddah on May 31.
“PIA’s post-Hajj operation will continue from May 30 to June 30,” the airline said.
The carrier said it would operate flights from Jeddah and Madinah to Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot and Quetta during the operation.
PIA said it plans to operate a total of 213 flights and transport more than 53,000 pilgrims back to Pakistan over the next month.
