ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced on Friday that 345 Hajj pilgrims, who had missed their flights due to cancellations caused by the recent tensions between Pakistan and India, were sent to Saudi Arabia via a special Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Islamabad.
The Ministry confirmed that the schedules of 13 Hajj flights were impacted between May 7 and 9, affecting 3,080 pilgrims. A statement released by the ministry revealed that during these three days, four Hajj flights were cancelled and nine were delayed due to security concerns following the airstrikes carried out by India on May 7. The sudden escalation in hostilities led to the suspension of flight operations at several airports in Pakistan.
In response, Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) suspended flight operations on May 8 at major airports in Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot. The suspension was implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of passengers amid the heightened tensions.
Despite the disruptions, the ministry’s spokesperson assured that arrangements were being made to accommodate the affected pilgrims. "540 pilgrims will also be sent from Islamabad and Lahore through special flights to ensure they reach their destinations as soon as possible," the spokesperson said.
Details provided by the ministry showed that Saudi Airlines flights from Islamabad and Lahore were among those cancelled, while multiple flights from various cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Multan, and Karachi, faced delays. The cancellation and delay of these flights have caused significant inconvenience for the pilgrims, though the authorities are working to resolve the situation promptly.
The delays and cancellations are expected to have a ripple effect on the overall Hajj travel schedule, with authorities assuring pilgrims that they will be prioritized and given alternate arrangements to minimize further disruptions.
