The National Airline, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), has announced its pre-HJJJ operation for 2025. The operation starts on April 29 and continues until June 1st.

During this period, the national airline will operate 280 special flights to transport over 56,000 Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, Express News reported.

According to sources, 20,000 pilgrims will travel this year under the government’s Hajj scheme, while 36,000 will travel under the private scheme, all via Pia aircraft. Boeing 777 and the Airbus 320 aircraft will be used to ensure a comfortable and organized journey.

Pia’s operation after Hajj begins on June 12 and continues until July 10, when flights will be arranged to bring back the recurring pilgrims. A coordinated aircraft system will be introduced to ensure even operation.

Officials have stated that special arrangements have been made to ensure that all aircraft have been completed on time and secure, and to give any possible facility to prevent inconvenience from pilgrims.

Previously, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted the reduction in the private Hajj quota for this year, who left thousands of Pakistanis unable to execute Hajj under the private scheme.

PM corrected an immediate investigation into the case and established a committee with three members who were tasked with identifying the responsible parties within three days.

The study follows the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony’s failure to secure the private Hajj quota from Saudi Arabia in 2025 despite the timely fulfillment of necessary procedures.