Hajj flights: Pilgrims start returning

LAHORE: Pakistan International Airline’s post-Hajj operation from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan began on Wednesday with the first flight landing at Allama Iqbal International Airport with 502 returning pilgrims. The Boeing 743 was received by PIA Lahore District Manager Umar Draz and Station Manager Asghar Zaidi early yesterday morning. The Hajjis were welcomed with rose garlands. Speaking to the media upon their return, the pilgrims complained that the flight was around 90 minutes late. PIA officials said that it had been delayed at Jeddah because of the rush at the airport and because several passengers had arrived late for the flight. Many said that they were not satisfied with the arrangements made by the government for them in Saudi Arabia. PIA ran 35 Hajj flights carrying 17,500 pilgrims from Lahore to Jeddah this year.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2012.