PIA post Hajj operation commenced from November 10th and due to delayed service it has so far brought back 5,350 Hajis to Pakistan through 13 Hajj flights.

PIA spokesman said here on Friday.

The first post Hajj flight for Karachi PK 7682 carrying 455 hajjis landed at Karachi at 2:30am.

The passengers of the first Hajj flight to Karachi were received by Managing Director PIA, Nadeem Khan Yousufzai.

The passengers were presented rose garlands on their arrival at Hajj terminal Karachi.

Hajjis arriving at Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta were also received by PIA officials.

The delays in arrival of flights is mainly due to late arrival of passengers and their luggage at the airport which is being done by their Guide (Mualim/Maktab) who takes care of hajjis transportation from their place of stay to the airport.

Passengers of other countries and airlines are also facing similar problems.

At a time nearly 60,000 hajjis of different countries are present at Jeddah Hajj terminal for their respective flights of various airlines.

PIA spokesman said that PIA had earlier advised all hajjis to reach the airport at least 8 hours prior to their flights.

PIA senior officials are present at Jeddah Airport to facilitate the returning Hajjis.

The PIA officials are in constant communication with Jeddah CAA for speedy security and immigration procedures.

As a result, PIA has to wait for passengers who arrive in groups at Jeddah Airport before issuance of their boarding and cannot leave behind Hajjis as they reach the airport in groups travelling by buses which is arranged by their Maktab and not PIA.

The airline's spokesman asserted.

PIA spokesman said that no PIA Post Hajj flight so far, is delayed due to any technical reason.

PIA officials and aircraft are available and ready at Jeddah Airport.

However, efforts are being made for timely departures of PIA Hajj flights with the co-operation of Hajjis and their Maulim/Maktab; for reaching at the airport on time.

PIA spokesman concluded.

SOURCE: BUSINESS RECORDER