Saudi authorities will facilitate immigration for over 16,000 Haj pilgrims at Karachi airport through the Road to Makkah project, which was revealed on Friday.
As part of this initiative, intending pilgrims will bypass the immigration process upon arrival at Saudi airports.
A spokesperson from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) mentioned that Haj flights under the Road to Makkah project will start on May 9 and conclude on June 8.
Saudi staff will have access to eight counters and equipment in the international departure satellite area.
The Road to Makkah project at Karachi airport specifically caters to government-sponsored Haj pilgrims, totaling over 16,000.
The spokesperson clarified that an additional 15,000 pilgrims traveling through private operators from Karachi airport will not be covered by the Road to Makkah project.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will operate five Haj flights from Sukkur and 21 flights from Quetta, all transiting through Karachi airport.
A meeting at Jinnah International Airport discussed preparations for the upcoming Haj, with a specific focus on the Road to Makkah project.
Chaired by Airport Manager Erfan Khan, the meeting was attended by airlines, ground handling agencies, border health services, Airport Security Force, Federal Investigation Agency, Customs, and Anti-Narcotics Force.
All agencies reaffirmed their commitment to providing comprehensive support to the pilgrims during their airport stay, from arrival to departure, following Saudi immigration formalities in the international departure satellite area.
The airport manager emphasized the importance of ensuring a smooth experience for the pilgrims and urged agencies to welcome them as esteemed guests.
Deputy Airport Manager Saif-ur-Rehman urged airlines to promptly submit their Haj flight schedules and aircraft types for efficient parking bay planning.
Security personnel were encouraged to expedite luggage checks, demonstrating the collaborative efforts of CAA and airport administration in managing the Road to Makkah project, as commended by Director-Haj Karachi Imtiaz A. Shah.
