First PIA flights carrying Hajj pilgrims arrive in Islamabad, Karachi

National flag carrier to continue operation till July 21 to all major airports

With the completion of Hajj, the return of pilgrims to their homeland began as the first post-Hajj Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights landed in Islamabad and Karachi on Thursday.

According to Express News, PIA’s first post-Hajj flight PK-860 arrived at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi from Jeddah, carrying 160 pilgrims.

PIA District Manager Umar Khan, Airport Manager Javed Pichoho, and other officials warmly welcomed the pilgrims.

Another flight, PK-740, from Jeddah landed at the Islamabad International Airport in the federal capital, returning 443 pilgrims.

Airport Manager Aftab Gilani, Deputy Director Hajj, Chief Security Officer, and airline officials were present on site to welcome the pilgrims along with relatives and friends of the pilgrims, adorning them with flower garlands.

Moreover, 200 pilgrims arrived in Islamabad earlier via a private flight while another 150 pilgrims reached the federal capital on a different private flight.

PIA will bring back over 35,000 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia through 171 flights in the following weeks till July 21. The flights are operational for Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Sialkot, and Peshawar.