PIA set to commence its pre-Hajj operation from today

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to commence its Pre-Hajj Operation (PHO) from April 19, 2026 (today). The airline during PHO will transport over 55, 000 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia across more than 191 flights till May 21, 2026. According to the PIA spokesman, the national carrier will inaugurate the operation with flights from Sialkot (PK 747) and Faisalabad (PK 4003), departing for Madinah. More than 540 pilgrims are expected to travel on the first day of PHO. The Pre-Hajj flights will roll out in phases across major cities. Multan’s first departure, flight PK 715, is scheduled for April 20 followed by Quetta and Islamabad on April 21. Karachi’s first Pre-Hajj flight, PK 743, will take to the skies on April 23, while Lahore’s inaugural Pre-Hajj departure, PK 747, is set for April 24 for Madinah. PIA will operate flights from seven cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Quetta, transporting pilgrims to both Jeddah and Madinah. Islamabad will see the highest number of pilgrims in this season, with more than 15, 400 intending pilgrims travelling through 46 dedicated Pre-Hajj flights. Karachi follows closely with over 15, 000 pilgrims on 55 flights and Lahore with more than 12, 300 pilgrims across 34 flights. Smaller but significant operations are also planned from Multan, which will see 5, 383 pilgrims depart on 13 flights, Quetta with over 4, 487 pilgrims on 15 flights, Faisalabad with 3, 680 pilgrims on 23 flights, and Sialkot with 2, 075 pilgrims on 5 flights. CEO PIA, AVM Amir Hayat, who would be personally supervising the operation, has instructed the airline’s Hajj Team to provide the best services to intending pilgrims and make their travel comfortable and convenient. PIA’s PHO is scheduled to conclude on May 21, 2026. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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