PIA to launch special Arbaeen flight operation from Aug 8

Abdullah Jan

Islamabad: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a special flight operation for pilgrims traveling to Iraq for Arbaeen.

The flight operation will begin on August 8, with flights from Pakistan to Najaf scheduled until August 11. Return flights from Najaf to Pakistan will operate between August 18 and 23.

Sources said PIA has set the fare for the special Arbaeen flights at 675 US dollars per passenger. However, pilgrims have requested a reduction in fares and the addition of more flights to accommodate the growing demand. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Pakistani pilgrims travel overland via Iran to reach the holy city of Najaf.

The number of air travelers for Arbaeen has also been increasing steadily. Officials say the flight schedule and fares may be reviewed in light of the growing number of pilgrims.