Latest news with #Airblue
Bloomberg
19-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Pakistan Draws Several Bidders for Loss-Making National Airline
Pakistan's sale of its national airline has drawn interest from several parties, including domestic carrier Airblue Ltd. and travel conglomerate Gerry's Group. Airblue Managing Director Aslam Chaudhary and Gerry's Group Managing Director Akram Wali Muhammad both confirmed their plans to participate in the sale of a 51% to 100% stake in Pakistan International Airlines to Bloomberg News.
Arab News
15-06-2025
- Arab News
Over 11,410 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims return from Saudi Arabia
ISLAMABAD: A total of 11,418 Pakistani pilgrims have returned in the post-Hajj flight operation so far, the country's religion ministry said on Sunday. Pakistan began its post-Hajj flight operation with the arrival of PIA flight PK-732 in Islamabad on June 11, carrying 307 pilgrims. The country is expected to conclude the operation on July 10, with the last flight carrying Hajj pilgrims to land in Islamabad. This year's Hajj took place from June 4 to June 9, drawing millions of pilgrims to the holy cities. Pakistan sent over 115,000 pilgrims under both the government and private schemes. 'As of Saturday, June 14, a total of 11,418 pilgrims have returned home,' a spokesperson of Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said in a statement. 'On Sunday, June 15, another 4,995 pilgrims will arrive in the country through 20 flights.' The spokesperson said six flights carrying Hajj pilgrims will each land in both Islamabad and Lahore, while four will arrive in Karachi, three in Multan and one in Quetta on Sunday. Of the 20 flights, eight will be operated by the state-run Pakistan International Airlines, five by Saudia, four by Airblue, two by AirSial and one by Serene Air. 'Despite global air traffic disruptions, Pakistan's post-Hajj flight operation is successfully going on,' the ministry said, referring to the recent diversion of flights due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. The spokesperson advised Pakistani pilgrims to ensure their return journey remained a 'smooth' one by maintaining discipline. 'Pilgrims should ensure their baggage weight complies with the limit stated on their air tickets,' he said, advising pilgrims to reach their respective airports in Saudi Arabia six to eight hours before departure.
Business Recorder
12-06-2025
- Business Recorder
First Hajj flight reaches Lahore
LAHORE: The first Hajj flight, Airblue flight PA-473, reached Allama Iqbal International Airport on Wednesday, carrying 147 pilgrims from Jeddah. The flight marked the beginning of the post-Hajj return season. Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Minister Khawaja Imran Nazeer received the pilgrims at the airport and offered garlands and prayers for their safe return. Director Hajj Directorate Lahore Syed Muhammad Arif Hazoor, Deputy Director Mujeeb Shah, the airport manager, customs, airport security force officers and others were also present. While talking to the media, Imran Nazeer congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Ministry of Religious Affairs for making the best arrangements for pilgrims. On this occasion, the pilgrims expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the comprehensive arrangements made by the government for their holy journey. 'We are thankful to the government for the excellent arrangements,' said a pilgrim. Moreover, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)'s first Hajj flight, PK 936, arrived at the Lahore Airport at 2:45 pm, bringing back 328 pilgrims from Jeddah. PIA officials, including District Manager Agha Zaheeruddin, Station Manager Ashfaq Awan, Airport Manager, Chief Security Officer, and other staff, warmly welcomed the pilgrims upon their arrival. According to a PIA spokesperson, on the first day of the post-Hajj operation, four flights departed from Jeddah to various cities in Pakistan: two flights arrived in the federal capital Islamabad, one flight landed in Karachi, and one flight arrived in Lahore. In total, approximately 950 pilgrims were expected to return home on this first day. The PIA has made special arrangements to ensure the convenience of the pilgrims at the Jeddah Hajj Terminal. Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat is personally overseeing the repatriation operation. The post-Hajj operation is set to continue from June 10 until July 10. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
08-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
When will the Hajj operation begin from Jinnah International Airport?
Listen to article The schedule for the Hajj 2025 flight operation from Karachi's Jinnah International Airport has been announced. The Hajj operation from Jinnah International Airport is set to begin on April 29, 2025, with Serene Air flight number 1611 departing for Madina at 10:15pm, carrying 285 pilgrims to the holy land. Several other key flights have also been scheduled as part of the Hajj operation. Airblue's first Hajj flight (PA1766) will depart on April 30, 2025, at 3:40 AM, carrying 148 pilgrims. Saudi Airlines' first Hajj flight (flight number 3701) is scheduled to leave for Madina on May 1, 2025, at 9:15 AM with 365 pilgrims on board. Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will launch its first Hajj flight (PK-743) on May 2, 2025, at 5:55 AM, carrying 393 pilgrims. All initial flights will land at Madina Airport, but starting May 14, 2025, most Hajj flights will depart for Jeddah Airport, although some flights to Madina will still continue. The Deputy Director of Hajj stated that the Hajj Directorate in Karachi, along with relevant institutions, is fully prepared to ensure a respectful and smooth departure for the pilgrims. Authorities are committed to providing all possible facilities to the pilgrims. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of short-term visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Pakistan, effective April 13, as part of measures to manage travel flows ahead of the Hajj season, according to Gulf News. The ban applies to single- and multiple-entry business visit visas, e-tourist visas, and family visit visas. Affected countries include India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya. Travellers from these nations who already hold valid short-term visas will be allowed to enter the Kingdom until April 13, but must leave no later than April 29.
Express Tribune
05-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
European Civil Aviation team to train Pakistan airport staff for first time
Civil Aviation Authority is not conducting the privatisation transaction to hand over three international airports. PHOTO: FILE Listen to article A European Civil Aviation team is scheduled to visit Pakistan next week to provide, for the first time, specialised security training and certification to airport regulators, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The two-member team, dispatched on the directive of the European Union, will train aviation security personnel at Islamabad Airport, Express News reported. The sessions will focus on meeting international standards, particularly in the areas of Explosives Trace Detection (ETD) and Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD). A CAA spokesperson confirmed the initiative aims to align Pakistan's aviation security protocols with globally recognised benchmarks, enhancing overall airport safety. 'This is a significant milestone in our efforts to bring aviation security in Pakistan up to international standards,' the spokesperson said. Last year, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) officially lifted the suspension on PIA and granted authorisation for Airblue to operate flights to Europe, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan's aviation sector. This development restores direct air links between Pakistan and European destinations, following a ban that had been in place since 2020. Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the news, stating that the lifting of the suspension and the new authorisation for Airblue was made possible due to focused efforts by the Ministry of Aviation to strengthen the Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and improve safety oversight in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
