PIA to operate 21 more flights to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia allows PIA to fly 21 additional flights on weekly basis.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) got special permission to operate 21 more flights to Saudi Arabia till Sept 30 enabling it to transport 25,500 passengers.

Jumping into Details

According to the spokesman of the national carrier, keeping in view the urgent need of many of the Pakistanis to reach Saudi Arabia for renewal of their iqamas, PIA had requested the Saudi Arabia government to allow additional flights.

On Wednesday, PIA CEO Air Marshal Arshad Malik informed Prime Minister Imran Khan that many Pakistanis were scrambling to fly back to the Kingdom as their resident permits, or iqamas, would expire on September 30, but there were not enough flights.

In a virtual meeting with Saudi Vice Minister for Labour Abdullah bin Naseer Abuthnain, the special assistant had asked to further extend the Iqama expiration date to the 30th of next month.

He had said lack of availability of flights has also resulted in exorbitant airfares.

On the occasion, Saudi Deputy Minister for Labour, Abdullah bin Nasir Abu Al-Sani had promised to raise the issue of flights and visas at the weekly joint ministerial meeting.

“PIA is [now] allowed to operate more flights exclusively after using high-level diplomatic contacts,” the statement said. “With the involvement of the Prime Minister, 21 more flights have been added to the PIA flight operations, bringing the capacity to fly 25,500 passengers.”

All Pakistani nationals would be able to return to their homes and workplaces in Saudi Arabia before September 30, the statement said, adding: “PIA has already requested Saudi officials to double its flights for the month of October.”