In a move to support Umrah pilgrims and mitigate its ongoing financial struggles, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a significant reduction in Umrah fares. Effective immediately, the national flag carrier has lowered the two-way Umrah fare from multiple Pakistani cities to Jeddah.
Revised Umrah Fares:
1. Lahore, Islamabad, Sialkot, Peshawar, Multan, and Faisalabad to Jeddah: Rs87,000 (including tax)
2. Karachi and Quetta to Jeddah: Rs79,000
This pricing adjustment, which amounts to a total reduction of Rs7,000, aims to provide relief to travelers seeking to undertake the holy pilgrimage. PIA emphasized its commitment to facilitating Umrah pilgrims, reinforcing its role in supporting religious journeys.
The decision to reduce fares comes in response to a challenging financial situation faced by PIA. The airline has witnessed a wave of booking cancellations in recent days, prompting it to refund approximately Rs50 million to affected passengers.
PIA’s financial woes are primarily attributed to interruptions in air operations, with a significant portion of the losses linked to soaring fuel costs. The airline has reported losses exceeding Rs6 billion, highlighting the urgent need to address these challenges and ensure its sustainability.
This move to lower Umrah fares not only benefits travelers but also underscores PIA’s determination to overcome financial hurdles while maintaining its commitment to providing essential travel services. As the airline navigates these challenges, it remains dedicated to serving the needs of passengers and facilitating religious journeys.