Several Hajj flights were cancelled and disrupted due to periodic closure of flight operations at airports. According to Ministry of Religious Affairs, the schedule of 13 Hajj flights was affected between May 7 and 9.  Four Hajj flights were canceled while 9 flights were delayed in three days.  Two Saudi Airlines Hajj flights were cancelled from Islamabad and Lahore.  

Three from Lahore, two from Islamabad, Quetta, while one Hajj flight each from Multan and Karachi was delayed.  The schedule of 3,080 Hajj pilgrims was affected due to temporary closure of flight operations.  Most of the flights left carrying Hajj pilgrims after a delay of a few hours.  As many as 345 Hajj pilgrims who were left behind due to cancellation of flights were sent from Islamabad on a special PIA flight today.  

Another 540 pilgrims will be sent via special flights from Islamabad and Lahore.  The Ministry of Religious Affairs has set up a helpline (0519216980) for the prompt and effective provision of information related to the schedule of Hajj flights.  By calling the helpline, Hajj pilgrims can get the latest information regarding the timings and departures of their flights.  Pilgrims are also advised to keep in touch with the relevant Hajj camps for information related to flights.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)