PIA successfully carries out its pre-Hajj arrangements
HIGHLIGHTING PIAP's Hajj OPERATION EFFICIENCY AND FLEXIBILITY
KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the country's national flag carrier, has completed its pre-Hajj operation with flying colors. This two-month-long operation, which started on April 29 and ended on May 31, saw PIA successfully operate 147 Hajj flights.
The flights facilitated the transportation of an impressive 42,400 pilgrims to the holy cities of Saudi Arabia. Among these, 35,000 were government Hajj pilgrims, 4,000 were private pilgrims, and over 3,000 were stranded travelers who were left in the lurch by other airlines operating in Pakistani airspace.
One of the notable achievements of this year's pre-Hajj operation was PIA's flight schedule regularity, which exceeded a whopping 90 percent. This high punctuality rate is a testament to the airline's operational efficiency and commitment to maintaining reliable service during the critical Hajj season.
PIA has been a significant player in facilitating Hajj pilgrim transport from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia for many years, reflecting both its national responsibility and the logistical expertise required to manage large-scale religious travel. As part of a multi-airline strategy, PIA operates from major Pakistani cities, ensuring easy access for pilgrims nationwide.
To expedite immigration and customs procedures at departure points in Pakistan, PIA collaborates with the Road to Makkah Initiative. In 2025, nearly 50,500 pilgrims, mostly from Islamabad and Karachi, benefited from this streamlined process.
When intermittent flight suspensions led to cancellations and delays affecting over 3,000 pilgrims in 2025, PIA responded swiftly by operating special flights to ensure that stranded pilgrims could still reach Saudi Arabia for Hajj. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and PIA also set up dedicated helplines and coordinated with Haji Camps to provide timely updates and alternative travel arrangements.
PIA's role in Hajj operations is of immense significance to Pakistan's Muslim population, ensuring the safe and timely transportation of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually while embodying national pride and solidarity with the Ummah (global Muslim community). The logistics, efficiency, and crisis management displayed by PIA during Hajj highlight its importance beyond regular commercial aviation, reinforcing its status as a national institution serving religious and social needs.
PIA transported over 42,000 pilgrims during the pre-Hajj phase alone, with a total of over 115,000 pilgrims transported by all airlines in 33 days. The airline's success lies in its multi-city coordination, road-to-Makkah support, and attentive assistance to stranded pilgrims with special flights, helplines, and real-time information.
[1] Ministry of Religious Affairs, Pakistan. (2025). Hajj Operations, 2024/2025: Statistics and Achievements.[2] Pakistan International Airlines. (2025). Pre-Hajj Operations, 2024/2025: Record Number of Pilgrims Transported.[3] Government of Pakistan. (2025). Road to Makkah Initiative: Streamlining Hajj Operations at Departure Points.[4] The News International. (2025, May 31). PIA杨 operation Rescues Stranded Pilgrims amid Flights Cancellations.
- The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) not only catered to the transportation needs of 35,000 government Hajj pilgrims and 4,000 private pilgrims but also facilitated over 3,000 stranded travelers due to flight cancellations, showcasing its flexibility and commitment to lifestyle and travel.
- In the midst of intermittent flight suspensions, PIA stepped up by operating special flights, providing helplines, and coordinating with Haji Camps, underscoring its role in enhancing travel experiences and facilitating smooth Hajj operations for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year.
