Pre-Hajj departure operation begins

KARACHI: The pre-Hajj departure of intended pilgrims from Jinnah International Airport, Karachi started from Thursday, and will continue for about a month, that is, till September 28, 2014.

The first Hajj flight No. PK-201, a PIA Boeing 772, departed at 0700 hours.

Besides PIA, Shaheen Air Fly, NAS and Saudi Airlines will also air lift intended pilgrims.

Special arrangements for pilgrims have been made at the Karachi airport such as water coolers and separate pray area for ladies and gents. Separate arrangements for ladies and gents have been made for ablution and Ahram changing cabins.

Civil Aviation Authority CAA has also provided separate briefing and FIA counters to facilitate pilgrims. This is the first time that Hajj flights are being operated from Jinnah International Airport since its inauguration on August 27, 1992.