PIA slashes Umrah fares to support pilgrims amid financial aid boost

Muslim worshippers and pilgrims gather around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia on June 24, 2023. (AFP/File)

• Last month, the government approved an Rs8 billion lifeline to address the airline’s financial woes
• PIA’s reduced rates are expected to incentivize local pilgrims to travel through the national airline

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national flag carrier announced its decision to reduce Umrah pilgrimage fares in a brief statement issued on Friday, saying the new rates would be implemented immediately.
The cost adjustment, which appears to be an attempt to ease the financial burden for the faithful embarking on the sacred journey, has come at a time when the government has approved an Rs8 billion lifeline to address the airline’s financial woes.
Prior to that, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was beginning to find it difficult to meet its operational expenses and canceling regular flight operations.
“PIA has announced an immediate reduction in Umrah fares,” an official statement circulated by the airline’s spokesperson said. “Two-way Umrah fare from Lahore, Islamabad, Sialkot, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad to Jeddah is Rs87,000 plus tax. Umrah fare from Karachi and Quetta is Rs79,000 plus tax.”
“These fares will be effective immediately,” the statement added.
The airfares for international travel significantly increased due to multiple factors after countries lifted lockdowns in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
PIA’s reduced rates are expected to incentivize pilgrims to travel through the national airline.