PIA Hajj Operation 2012 completed successfully with 85 percent post hajj flights from Jeddah arriving on time. Last Hajj Flight PK-3662 arrived in Quetta early Friday morning.
PIA has brought back about 100,000 Hajjis to Pakistan.
PIA has carried 83000 Hujjaj through 196 flights to Pakistan. 1989 Hajjis were flown back to Rangoon by 4 Chartered flights while over 15000 Hajjis travelled through schedule flights.
The airline’s 21 hajj flights brought back 10353 hajjis to Karachi, 17385 through 35 flights to Islamabad, 16783 through 34 flights to Lahore and 13,973 Hajjis to Peshawar through 43 post hajj flights.PIA carried back 13275 hajjis to Quetta by 41 Post-Hajj flights, 7,006 Hajjis to Multan by 14 flights and 3,491 Hajjis to Sialkot by 07 Post-Hajj Flights.
MD PIA Muhammad Junaid Yunus said that overcrowding at Jeddah Hajj Terminal where 80,000 to 100,000 passengers arrive at the same time for their return journey to other countries through 74 different international airlines cause’s initial delays in departures of flights due to security checks, immigration formalities etc. Besides, as per Saudi law an airline may be penalized and is not allowed to take off without the booked flight passenger. MD PIA appreciated the airline employees for the success of smooth travel arrangements for about 100,000 Hujjaj without any major problem through sheer team work in this mega operation. It was made possible only because of the dedication and whole-heartedly efforts by each member of the team to make this operation a success. He congratulated the employees on their success and for extra ordinary efforts during this entire operation day and night.
