Quetta:In a significant development aimed at easing travel for Umrah pilgrims from Balochistan, Governor Jaffer Khan Mandokhail has announced direct flights from Quetta to Jeddah. Starting from August, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will operate these special flights twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday.
This initiative comes as a response to longstanding demands from the province’s residents, who previously had to travel via other major cities like Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore before reaching Saudi Arabia. According to Abdul Ghaffar Mian Khel, JI Balochistan’s statement, these direct flights will commence from August 6th, offering a convenient alternative for travelers.
Governor Mandokhail, following discussions with Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif during a recent visit to Quetta, emphasized the importance of initiating these direct flights to Jeddah. He expressed confidence that this new service will significantly reduce travel hardships and expenses for Umrah pilgrims, ensuring they can avoid additional stops and unnecessary travel.
With bookings already open, these direct flights are expected to improve connectivity and accessibility for Balochistan’s residents, enhancing regional mobility and facilitating smoother journeys for Umrah pilgrims.