PIA Announces Pre-Hajj Operation for 2025 to Transport Over 56,000 Pilgrims
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has unveiled its pre-Hajj operation for 2025, scheduled to commence on April 29 and run until June 1. During this period, PIA will operate 280 special flights to carry more than 56,000 Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Of the total pilgrims, 20,000 will travel under the governmentโs Hajj scheme, while 36,000 will fly through the private scheme. These pilgrims will be transported exclusively by PIA using Boeing 777 and Airbus 320 aircraft to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.
Following the pre-Hajj operation, PIA’s post-Hajj flights will begin on June 12 and conclude on July 10, when flights will be arranged to bring back the pilgrims. A well-coordinated flight system will be implemented to ensure efficient and timely operations.
Officials have assured that extensive measures have been put in place to ensure all flights are completed on schedule and safely, with additional facilities to avoid any inconvenience for the pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has intervened regarding the reduced private Hajj quota for this year, which left many Pakistanis unable to perform Hajj through the private scheme. The Prime Minister has ordered an inquiry into the matter, forming a three-member committee to identify the responsible parties within three days. This inquiry follows the failure of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony to secure the necessary private Hajj quota for 2025 despite timely procedural compliance.
