The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has completed pre-Hajj operation, operating 171 flights directly from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia. Over 35, 030 pilgrims travelled to holy cities of Makkah and Madinah through the flights from Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan and Sialkot airports.
The annual Muslim pilgrimage, the largest religious gathering in the world, will start from Friday and continue till June 19.
PIA spokesperson said the pre-Hajj operation started on May 9 and successfully completed on June 11. The national flag carrier to start the post-Hajj flights on June 20, resuming operation till July 21. The PIA facilitated over 19,500 public and 14,900 private pilgrims during pre-Hajj services, also taking 630 Khuddam (service providers and guides to pilgrims during Hajj) to Madinah and Jeddah.
According to spokesperson, over 45 flights faced delay due to weather condition and technical reasons during the operation. The chief executive officer of the PIA congratulated the staff for the successful completion of the first phase of the pilgrimage operation.
