ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced to resume the Hajj flight operation following a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, and reopening of the country’s airspace.
Following Indian missile attacks on three Pakistan Air Force bases last night, Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) had imposed an air emergency across the country and suspended all flight operations.
However, following major de-escalation with its arch rival, Pakistan has reopened its airspace to all civilian and commercial flights.
The ceasefire led to restoration of normal flight operations at the country’s all airports, signalling a return to stability after a period of disruption.
Resumption of Hajj operations
According to the ministry officials, a Hajj flight is scheduled to depart later Saturday night, marking the formal resumption of Hajj operation.
Earlier in the day, three Hajj flights were cancelled due to heightened tensions between Pakistan and India.
The disruption affected 2,290 pilgrims who were unable to travel to Saudi Arabia as per schedule.
The suspended flights included seven operated by Saudi Airlines and three by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), according to the ministry.
The cancelled flights included two from Islamabad, three from Lahore, and one each from Karachi and Multan.
Pakistan opened its airspace as full and immediate ceasefire between the two nations was reached after days of heightened military exchanges between the two South Asian neighbours.
The announcement was first made by US President Donald Trump on Saturday and later confirmed by Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif, DPM Ishaq Dar, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The ministry has advised all pilgrims to stay in contact with their respective Hajj camps for flight updates and further assistance.
