Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) launched its pre-Hajj operation from Karachi early this morning, as Flight PK-743 took off carrying 397 pilgrims to the holy city of Medina in Saudi Arabia.
On the occasion, PIA Chief Operating Officer Khurram Mushtaq saw the pilgrims off at the airport. In a simple yet dignified ceremony, Mushtaq and other officials presented the pilgrims with flowers and gifts and requested special prayers for the country’s development.
The pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by PIA. As part of the pre-Hajj operation, PIA has so far flown more than 2,500 pilgrims from various cities to Saudi Arabia.
PIA is employing Boeing 777 and Airbus A320 aircraft for this operation.
From Karachi alone, over 7,200 pilgrims will be transported to the Holy Hijaz on 39 special flights. In the first phase of the operation, flights will depart from Pakistan to Medina, while the second-phase flights will head to Jeddah.
In total, 35,200 government-sponsored pilgrims will be flown to the Holy Hijaz on 117 special flights during the Hajj operation. These flights will operate from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Multan, and Peshawar. PIA’s pre-Hajj operation is scheduled to continue until May 31.
