ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed its Hajj operations on Saturday night after a hiatus caused by airspace closures due to the military tensions between Pakistan and India. Following the announcement of a ceasefire, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) issued a notification confirming the full restoration of the country’s airspace for all types of flights.
The suspension of flights affected several Hajj flights, with over 2,290 pilgrims unable to depart for Saudi Arabia. However, the situation has since improved, and flights from Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Peshawar, and Karachi are now proceeding as per schedule. The Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed that 1,277 affected pilgrims had been sent on special flights, with the remaining 1,013 expected to travel soon.
The airspace closure disrupted not only Hajj operations but also other international flights, with major airports in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad experiencing significant delays. The PIA spokesperson apologized for the inconvenience caused, assuring passengers that the situation was now under control.
