KARACHI (Dunya News) – Hajj flight operation in Pakistan began on Thursday morning as two planes departed from Karachi for Saudi Arabia, carrying 330 pilgrims, Dunya News reported.
The first flight with 150 intending pilgrims and second flight carrying 180 pilgrims left for Medina by private flights from the Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.
Officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and a number of people were present at the airport to see off the pilgrims.
More than 68,000 intending pilgrims under government’s regular Hajj scheme will be flown to Saudi Arabia by 259 flights of several airlines in a month-long pre-Hajj flights operation.
From May 24 to June 9, most flights will arrive at Jeddah while the post-Hajj flight operation from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan will start on June 20.
It is reported that on the first day (Thursday), 11 flights carrying 2,160 intending pilgrims will depart for Medina from airports of Pakistan.
PRE-HAJJ ARRANGEMENTS
Earlier, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony finalised arrangements for the intending pilgrims. Accordingly, the vaccination of the pilgrims was held on April 30 as the travellers are required to receive the mandatory vaccination 10 days before Hajj flights commence.
Carrying smartphones is mandatory for the pilgrims so that they can seek help from apps during their Hajj journey.