ISLAMABAD
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced to start direct flight operation to Damascus from Karachi to facilitate the pilgrims.
The decision to this effect was taken on the directives of Minister for Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique. The first PIA flight would depart from Karachi on 28th of this month.
The national flag carrier called on travellers to check out its website for “attractive fares and offers.” Every year, hundreds of Pakistanis visit Syria and Iraq for pilgrimage.
“Now fly directly to #Damascus onboard #PIA, to embark upon the journey of spiritualism and awakening. Flights resuming from May 28, 2022,” PIA said in a tweet.
The PIA said a weekly flight would be operated initially but the number of flights would be gradually increased. “Our goal is to provide better and more comfortable travel facilities to our compatriots,” the statement said.
In January this year, the Pakistan government issued new rules for pilgrims traveling to Syria, including special approvals needed from Pakistani and Syrian authorities. “Before leaving for Syria, you must obtain a group visa from the Syrian Immigration Authority and obtain a NOC from the Pakistani Embassy in Damascus,” the ministry said in a notification.
