Ist Hajj Flight To Leave On Thursday

ISLAMABAD,(UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Augst,2016) : First special pre-Hajj flight would leave here on Thursday, as all the arrangements for smooth conduct of month-long transportation of intending pilgrims operation has been finalised, official sources said.

"Special arrangements for the intending pilgrims traveling from Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIA) for performance of Hajj have been finalized," Spokesperson Civil Aviation Authority Fariha Shah stated.

She said that a meeting of all relevant stakeholders for smooth execution of Pre-Hajj flights with proper facilities to all the passengers was held on Tuesday at the BBIA. She said Pre-Hajj operation will commence from August 4, with Flight No: PK 2503 departing at 0425 hrs from Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad (BBIAP). The Pre-Hajj flights operation will continue till September 5, 2016, she added. Strict instructions are issued to the security agency for restricting number of meeters and greeters at the airport in order to avoid congestion during Hajj operations.

"Only one visitor will be allowed with one passenger at the airport both at the time of departure and arrival of Hujjaj," she said. Special arrangements have been made for the Hujjaj at the airport.

Proper signage for easy guidance of pilgrims and designated officials on duty will ensure prompt assistance to Hujjaj. CAA has provided prayer space, ablution area and booth for wearing Ahram for Hujjaj, separately for men and women.

Sanitary attendants will be available round the clock to keep the area of the pilgrims clean and presentable. CAA team has been given proper staff briefing and orientation for providing timely assistance and special facilities to the Hujjaj.

One Window Facilitation Desk will have representatives from each government department to provide quick and timely assistance to Hujjaj. Instructions to all the concerned airlines had already been issued for timely communication to their passengers in case of delays in Pre-Hajj flights to avoid inconvenience to the Hujjaj.

CAA flight enquiry telephone numbers are 051-114 for all Pakistan and 051-9031243 and 051-9031380 for Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad to get updated information on the status of flights.

In line to get completed all the formalities, Hujjaj are requested to reach at the airport at least three hours prior to their departure time. Guidelines and formalities related to Hajj including informational video will be displayed at the airport for providing relevant information that will help in performing Hajj rituals. Medical facilities like ambulance, first aid along with paramedics and doctors will be available in case of any emergency situation.

It was emphasized that Hujjaj may ensure compliance to customs law pertaining to Currency allowed to carry with them, prohibition with regards to Narcotics, commercial goods other than personal usage goods, political or sectarian literature which is strictly prohibited.

For the convenience of Hujjaj, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority management extends maximum facilities and special arrangements at all the airports to ensure that flights depart on time and safety standard are up held at all times.