Hajj Operation: PIA's first flight from Lahore to Madinah

Lahore: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Thursday started the pre-Hajj operation and the first Hajj flight PK-717 from Lahore departed for Madinah.

329 Hajj pilgrims departed from the first Hajj flight which was seen off by PIA Chief Project Officer Khurram Mushtaq. A grand ceremony was also organized to see off the Hajj pilgrims at Lahore Airport.

Chief Project Officer Khurram Mushtaq said that Hajj pilgrims should remember Pakistan and PIA in their prayers. PIA has formed special Hajj teams to facilitate pilgrims in Pakistan and Madinah. PIA is transporting pilgrims to Madinah and Jeddah.

It is pertinent to note that PIA Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat is directly supervising the Hajj operation, special arrangements were made for the pilgrims at Lahore Airport.

Earlier in the night, the first flight of the private airline carrying 150 Hajj pilgrims departed from Karachi International Airport for Madinah while the second flight from Karachi arrived in Saudi Arabia carrying 180 pilgrims. The officials bid farewell to the pilgrims.

Under the government scheme, the Hajj operation which started today will continue till June 9 and 68,000 pilgrims will reach the Holy Hijaz through 259 Hajj flights. Under the Road to Makkah project, the Saudi authorities are conducting the immigration of Hajj pilgrims in Karachi.