Karachi Airport to facilitate over 16,000 Haj pilgrims through Road to Makkah project
PIA will be instrumental in facilitating the pilgrimage, operating five Haj flights from Sukkur and 21 flights from Quetta, all transiting through Karachi Airport
Karachi: Karachi Airport is gearing up to provide streamlined immigration facilities for more than 16,000 Haj pilgrims as part of the Road to Makkah project. This initiative aims to exempt intending pilgrims from the immigration process upon arrival at Saudi airports.
Scheduled to kick off on May 9 and conclude on June 8, the Haj flights will witness dedicated Saudi staff operating at eight counters in the international departure satellite area of Karachi airport.
Specifically designed for government-sponsored Haj pilgrims totaling over 16,000 individuals, the Road to Makkah project excludes an additional 15,000 pilgrims traveling through private operators from Karachi airport.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will be instrumental in facilitating the pilgrimage, operating five Haj flights from Sukkur and 21 flights from Quetta, all transiting through Karachi Airport.
In preparation for the upcoming Haj season, a comprehensive meeting was convened at Jinnah International Airport. Led by Airport Manager Erfan Khan, the meeting saw the participation of key stakeholders, including airlines, ground handling agencies, and law enforcement bodies such as the Airport Security Force, Federal Investigation Agency, Customs, and Anti-Narcotics Force.
Highlighting the importance of a seamless experience for pilgrims, the airport manager emphasized extending a warm welcome to Haj pilgrims as esteemed guests. Deputy Airport Manager Saif-ur-Rehman urged airlines to promptly submit their Haj flight schedules and aircraft types for efficient parking bay planning.
Security personnel were encouraged to expedite luggage checks to ensure smooth processing for pilgrims. Director-Haj Karachi, Imtiaz A. Shah, commended the collaborative efforts between the CAA and airport administration in managing the Road to Makkah project.
The Road to Makkah project underscores the commitment of Saudi authorities and Pakistani stakeholders to facilitate the sacred journey of Haj pilgrims through Karachi Airport.