Several Hajj flights have been canceled or delayed due to intermittent suspensions of flight operations in airports throughout Pakistan, the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed Thursday. The temporary suspension of airport operations has impacted travel schedule of approximately 3,080 pilgrims.
According to a ministry spokesman, flight schedules for 13 Hajj flights were interrupted between May 7 and 9. This included the cancellation of four flights and delays to another nine.
The spokesman declared that two flights from the Saudi airlines each of Islamabad and Lahore were canceled, while the delays affected three flights from Lahore, two from Islamabad and Quetta, and one of fine and karachi.
Despite the interruptions, the ministry said that most delayed flights left after a few hours. To accommodate those affected by the cancellations, 345 pilgrims who had been left behind were transferred today to Saudi Arabia through a special flight of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from Islamabad.
In addition, 540 more pilgrims are scheduled to start from Islamabad and Lahore on the next special flights.
In an attempt to optimize communication and provide timely updates, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has established a help line dedicated to 051-9216980. Pilgrims can call this number to receive real -time information about flight schedules and exit schedules.
The Ministry has also advised all pilgrims to remain in close contact with their respective Haji camps to obtain updated information about their travel arrangements.
