SAUDI ARABIA (HRNW) – A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight bound for Karachi from Jeddah has suffered a severe delay, causing immense difficulties for hundreds of Pakistani Hajj pilgrims.
The PIA flight, PK-860, from Jeddah to Karachi, was delayed for over 15 hours due to undisclosed reasons. More than 250 Pakistani pilgrims were on board this flight and had to wait at the Jeddah airport for a prolonged period for their departure.
According to the schedule, the flight was supposed to depart for Pakistan this morning and land at Karachi airport at 10:00 AM. However, due to the delay, the passengers had to endure severe mental and physical distress. The pilgrims had been transferred from their hotels to the Jeddah airport as early as 4:00 AM.
Expressing deep concern over the extraordinary flight delay, the affected pilgrims have appealed to the Prime Minister of Pakistan to take immediate notice and provide urgent assistance.
On the other hand, PIA officials stated that the flight delay occurred due to operational reasons. According to the authorities, the pilgrims and the Makatib (pilgrim facilitation offices) in Makkah had been informed in a timely manner via available contact numbers; however, due to the early vacation of the Makatib, the pilgrims were transferred to the airport ahead of time.
The PIA management maintained that every possible care is being taken of the affected pilgrims, and food, beverages, and complete guidance have been provided to the passengers at the Jeddah Hajj Terminal.
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