Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has begun its post-Hajj operation from May 30, with the first return flight bringing pilgrims back to Pakistan, the national carrier said.

According to a PIA spokesperson, flight PK-742 carrying 114 passengers arrived in Islamabad from Jeddah, marking the start of the post-Hajj operation.

The pilgrims were received at Islamabad airport by Chief Operating Officer Aftab Gillani, who welcomed them with garlands.

Airport Security Force officials and senior PIA representatives were also present on the occasion.

A second flight, PK-732, is scheduled to depart from Jeddah to Lahore, while Karachi’s first post-Hajj flight, PK-860, will leave Jeddah on May 31 and is expected to arrive at 7.25pm.

The spokesperson said the post-Hajj operation will continue up to June 30, during which PIA will operate flights from Jeddah and Madinah to Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot and Quetta.

In total, the airline will operate 213 flights under the post-Hajj operation, facilitating the return of more than 53,000 pilgrims to Pakistan.

PIA said all necessary arrangements have been completed to ensure smooth operations, adding that the airline’s CEO is personally overseeing the repatriation process.