Islamabad: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has started special flights to Najaf to provide convenient and safe travel facilities to Arbaeen pilgrims. The flights are scheduled for the period between August 8 and August 11, and the return flights from Najaf will be operated from August 18 to 23.
This announcement came after the government permanently banned land travel (via Iran and Iraq), and only air travel was preferred due to public safety and national security risks.
PIA has fixed a fare of US$675 per ticket for each passenger during this special air operation. Several pilgrims have appealed for a reduction in fares and additional facilities to make travel possible for the poor.
PIA has announced that additional flights will be added to the flights if the booking rate increases.
This operation is part of the initiative that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has banned land travel after a strict security review, while Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has issued orders for maximum air operations.
Visitors have been requested to keep their Ustad Nama National Reservations, trip records, and complete flight information safe so that the new regulations can be implemented smoothly.
