ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national carrier, PIA, has announced direct flights to Syria starting next week, calling on travelers to check out its website for “attractive fares and offers.”
Every year, hundreds of Pakistanis visit Syria and Iraq for pilgrimage.
“Now fly directly to #Damascus onboard #PIA, to embark upon the journey of spiritualism and awakening. Flights resuming from May 28, 2022,” PIA said in a tweet.
In a statement released on Thursday, PIA said a weekly flight would be operated initially but the number of flights would be “gradually increased.”
“Our goal is to provide better and more comfortable travel facilities to our compatriots,” the statement said.
In January this year, the Pakistan government issued new rules for pilgrims traveling to Syria, including special approvals needed from Pakistani and Syrian authorities.
“Before leaving for Syria, you must obtain a group visa from the Syrian Immigration Authority and obtain a NOC from the Pakistani Embassy in Damascus,” the ministry said in a notification.
