PIA demands exclusive carrier rights for Hajj

PIA asks federal government to restrict Hajj flights of other carriers.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines has requested the federal government to ensure that the national carrier remains the primary airline to transport Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

In a letter to the interior secretary, PIA's managing director wrote that last year, the government had approved four airlines to take Hajj flights - including PIA.

He claimed that Hajj group operators took pilgrims through the other airlines - which resulted in a financial loss to PIA - and cancellation of a number of flights.

The MD said that PIA was fully capable of flying Hajj pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile sources say the government has initiated necessary action over the request.

Earlier this year, PIA struggled to cope with the rush of ferrying pilgrims from Saudi Arabia during the peak season of Ramazan.