Hajj Flights Operation 2011

[Abbas Ali]

Reason for the deployment of janitor on PIA Hajj flights explained by MD PIA in following news report published in October 14, 2011, edition of Urdu daily 'Waqt'.

According to this report, on Hajj flights a significant number of pilgrims from rural areas do not know how to use aircraft lavatory fixtures and they do not follow instructions displayed in lavatory. Misuse often leaves lavatory dirty/filthy. Toilet flush system of lavatory also gets blocked when bottles, trash etc. are dumped in it by some users. Such actions cause inconvenience to other passengers of the flight. The duty of janitors on Hajj flights will be to keep aircraft lavatory tidy and clean.

Will be interesting to see uniform of PIA aircraft janitor.


Source: Waqt

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

First Hajj flight from Multan departed in early hours of October 16 with 499 pilgrims.

PIA has completed Hajj flights operation from Sialkot Airport, according to following news report.

Last Haj flight leaves SIAL

SIALKOT - The national flag-carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday completed its Haj operation from Sialkot International Airport.

The last Haj flight took off from Sialkot International Airport for Jeddah-Saudi Arabia here.

The senior PIA officials, management and Directors of SIAL, leading people from travel trade and senior journalists seen off the pilgrims of the last Haj flight during a special ceremony held e at the airport.

Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) General Manager Muhammad Nawaz Chaudhry told the newsmen that the as many as 3,943 male and female intending pilgrims, belonging to Sialkot region had to Saudi Arabia for performing the Haj obligation from the SIAL.

PIA had started its special Haj flights operation on October 9, with daily Haj flights from Sialkot International Airport till Oct 16, he added.

Source: The Nation

Here's photo of PIA aircraft that operated last pre-Hajj of year 2011 from Sialkot Airport on October 16, 2011. Apparently it's Boeing 747-367 (AP-BFY).


Photo Source: DAWN (October 17, 2011, edition)

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

Two PIA Pre-Hajj Flights from Lahore Cancelled

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOON-f-B4yo[/youtube]

OCTOBER 18, 2011 - City 42 news channel has reported cancellation of two PIA pre-Hajj flights PK-1235 and PK-1252 from Lahore to Jeddah that were to be operated today or tomorrow.

According to PIA, the two flights were cancelled due to mismanagement of some Hajj organizers. The airline said that it cannot operate Hajj flight with a small number of pilgrims.

Seems the Hajj organizer(s) failed to ensure arrival of pilgrims at Haji camp for these two flights from Lahore.

Btw, Hajj organizers with reports of mismanagement and inefficiency often get blacklisted at least for for some period of time for future Hajj operations.

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

Information about technical problem experienced by a PIA Boeing 747 operating pre-Hajj flight PK-3639 from Multan to Jeddah on the night between October 19 and 20.

Hajj plane aborts take-off as fumes fill cabin

MULTAN/KARACHI: A Pakistan International Airlines jet bound for Saudi Arabia with 508 people on board was forced to abort take-off Thursday when fumes engulfed a terrified cabin, officials and passengers said.

The Boeing 747 on flight PK 3539 carrying pilgrims to the Saudi city of Jeddah taxied towards the runway in the southern city of Multan despite concerns from passengers. “When we boarded the plane, we felt a strange smell and smoke inside. We complained to the crew but they ignored it and told us it was because of roasted meals,” Shamshad Begum, a female passenger, told AFP. “The plane went for take-off but stopped minutes later when passengers protested strongly and there was chaos,” she said.

PIA spokesman Sultan Hassan said there were 493 pilgrims bound for the holy sites in Makkah and Medina and 15 crew on board. They were re-routed on another flight that finally took off nine hours later. “The hydraulic system of the plane failed just before take-off and its fumes came inside the cabin,” Hassan told AFP. “We off-loaded the passengers and sent them on another plane to Jeddah at 12.00pm.”

Source: Daily Times


Source: Waqt

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

PIA hires Complex to house one time 5,000 pilgrims at Jeddah

ISLAMABAD, Oct 20 (APP) Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has arranged a huge complex at Madinatul Hujjaj, Jeddah to facilitate the hassal-free return of thousands of pilgrims. The Complex has an ample accommodation to handle at one time 5,000 passengers with proper rooms to accommodate Hajjaj. This facility would be jointly managed by PIA and Pakistan’s Hajj Mission (PHM). An official at Ministry of Religious Affairs told APP here on Thursday that the national carrier in coordination with PHM would bring its passengers at Haji Camp like facility at Jeddah at least 20-24 hours prior to departure and as soon as they disembark from buses, their baggage is placed in a big hall in parallel rows with a display broad of flight number on the wall.

The official said separate areas are demarcated flight wise in the Complex.

He said Hajjaj will be checked-in and their baggage will be accepted as soon as they would arrive and then they will be escorted to their allocated rooms at the Complex where they can take some rest.

The official said the screened baggage will directly reach airside at Hajj terminal and passengers will be brought from the mentioned facility to the Hajj terminal 5 hours prior to flight departure where they will proceed straight to processing hall.

The Complex also encloses eating places, shops and medical facility and in case the flight is delayed for some reason, the passengers will be retained back at the Facility and they do not need to wait at airport for longer hours he said.

When asked about the other steps taken for facilitation of Hujjaj, the official said metal detectors have been arranged to screen Hajjis before they are transported to terminal.It will also save significant dedicated baggage handling teams would also be available at Jeddah and on arrivals in Pakistan to ensure smooth handling of Hujjaj baggage.

With all the arrangements this year, the government hopes that Haj operation 2011 would be more successful and Hujjaj be better facilitated.

Source: APP

[Abbas Ali]

71,800 Intending Pilgrims Air Lifted by PIA So Far

KARACHI, October 25, 2011: Managing Director PIA, Mr. Nadeem Khan Yousufzai has impressed upon PIA employees to work with full zeal and dedication and provide maximum facilitation to Hajjis; here on Tuesday while briefing the employees posted on duties for carrying out Hajj operation at PIA Head Office.

“PIA Hajj passengers may be served with utmost care as according to our religious belief they are guests of Almighty Allah”. He said with collective efforts of all employees we may take the airline to new heights and we have the capability and expertise to do so. Discharge your duties to the best of your abilities, to win divine favour from Almighty God.

He commended PIA Engineering staff and said that PIA has one of the best engineering set up and expertise and all PIA aircraft are being well maintained. PIA’s Pre- Hajj operation is functioning smoothly with on time departures as the engineering department has maintained the 07 dedicated aircraft carrying out Hajj operations in the shortest possible time.

Director Airport Services and Chief Coordinator Hajj Operations PIA, Mr. Aijaz Mazhar said that the employees deputed for Hajj operation need to take special care when dealing with passengers at each and every point as per the Standard Operating Procedure so that efficiency is not compromised at any stage and Post Hajj operations may be timely managed.

PIA has so far operated 204 Pre-Hajj flights transporting 71,800 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. 41 Hajj flights were planned cancellations to keep the operation cost effective because passengers for such flights were not available in full strength according to the capacity of the aircraft. The fewer passengers available for such flights were adjusted on regular scheduled flights transporting 10,000 intending pilgrims through 51 PIA regular scheduled flights to Saudi Arabia.

PIA’s Post Hajj Operation will commence from 10 November 2011 and conclude on 10 December 2011.

Source: PIA Press Release (October 25, 2011)

[Abbas Ali]

Today, local news channels reported long delays suffered by two PIA pre-Hajj flights.

1) Flight PK-1059 from Karachi to Jeddah delayed by over 15 hours. Flight's scheduled departure time was 5:20AM on October 30.

2) Flight PK-1461 from Islamabad to Jeddah scheduled to depart at 1:00AM on October 31 with a delay of over 12 hours is rescheduled to depart at 3:00PM on October 31.

Both these flights were to be operated by Boeing 747 aircraft, according to PIA Hajj Flights Schedule.

Probably delay experienced by two PIA Boeing 747 Hajj flights from Lahore Airport yesterday played role in delay of flights PK-1059 and PK-1461 today.

According to news sources, PIA is utilizing its seven aircraft for Hajj flights operation. These seven PIA aircraft are:

2 x Airbus A310-300.
3 x Boeing 747-300.
2 x Boeing 777. (most probably Boeing 777-200ER)

Two Boeing 747s are kept on standby to operate Hajj flight in case of technical problem with any of PIA aircraft dedicated to operate Hajj flights. Apparently the two standby Boeing 747s are Boeing 747-200B aircraft on lease from Hellenic Imperial Airways.

It seems all three PIA Boeing 747-300s (apparently AP-BFU, AP-BFW and AP-BFY) taking part in Hajj flights operation are configured to carry 500 passengers.

But the two Boeing 747-200B aircraft Hellenic Imperial Airways most likely have lesser seating capacity than 500-seater PIA Boeing 747-300s.

Two other PIA Boeing 747-300s (AP-BFV and AP-BGG) are undergoing maintenance checks these days at Karachi Airport.

So, I think in case of technical problem with a PIA Boeing 747-300 flight when airline's other two Boeing 747-300 sisterships are busy operating other flights, PIA can face problem arranging substitute aircraft to operate affected flight with 500 passengers.

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

PIA tests patience of pilgrims

10/31/2011

LAHORE, Oct 30: Eight Haj and three routine domestic flights of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) were delayed by several hours at different airports of the country.

A spokesman for the PIA, however, rejected the number and said only three Haj flights two from Lahore and one from Karachi were rescheduled due to time consumed for mechanical work of two planes at the Lahore airport. The PIA manager, however, attributed the delay to hoax calls.

Dawn learnt from its sources -mostly passengers and officials that flight PK-1459 left Islamabad for Jeddah at 1pm, 12 hours behind its schedule while PK-1159 left Peshawar for Jeddah at 5pm, five hours late.

The departure of Peshawar-to-Jeddah (PK-1761) flight was delayed by four hours; Lahore-to-Jeddah (PK-1561) 10 hours; Karachi-to-Jeddah (PK-1059) 22 hours; Karachi-to-Riyadh (PK729) three hours; Peshawar-to-Riyadh (PK-755) two hours and Karachi-to-Dubai (PK-213) flight was delayed by six hours.

Similarly, flight PK-306 left Karachi for Lahore an hour behind the schedule; PK-307 arrived at Karachi from Lahore four hours late, and PK-350 landed in Peshawar two hour late.

PIA General Manager (Public Affairs) Syed Sultan Hassan said Haj flights were rescheduled after two aircrafts were searched because of hoax calls at the Lahore airport on Saturday.

He claimed all domestic and other international flights left for their destinations on time, adding that the shortage of aircrafts and utilization of available aging aircrafts sometimes forced rescheduling of flights, a universal phenomenon. He said they informed the passengers about the rescheduled flight one day ago.

Source: DAWN

[faisal-777]

Just saw a PIA 747 fly over my house. Flightstats doesn't show any departure of 747 around current time (5:00 PM) from Islamabad airport. Any diverted hajj flight ?

[Abbas Ali]

Today (October 31) PIA completed pre-Hajj flights operation, according to local news sources.

Post-Hajj flights operation will start on November 11, according to schedule released by the airline.

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

PIA Completes Pre-Hajj Flights Operation

* Post-Hajj Flights Operation to Start on November 10

Lahore, November 1, 2011: PIA operated 273 flights carrying 110,726 intending pilgrims from 07 major cities of Pakistan in 32 days; using 07 dedicated aircraft of the PIA fleet up to October 31, 2011. PIA Spokesman said here on Tuesday.

PIA operated 265 Pre-Hajj flights and 14 weekly scheduled flights for facilitating travel of intending pilgrims while 08 charter flights were also operated which helped PIA earn foreign exchange of US dollars 5.086 million.

Pre- Hajj operation of transporting intending pilgrims to Jeddah completed successfully with on time departures and a Technical reliability of 98.8 percent while the overall punctuality due to delays because of weather, immigration, bird hit and re-routing etc., remained at 95 percent despite challenges.

PIA operated 22 Pre-Hajj flights from Karachi carrying 9,546 intending pilgrims to Jeddah, 39 flights from Islamabad carrying 18,648 pilgrims, 39 flights from Lahore carrying 18,821 pilgrims, 63 flights from Peshawar carrying 19,055 pilgrims, 78 flights from Quetta carrying 15,718 pilgrims, 17 flights from Multan with 8,435 pilgrims and 7 Pre-Hajj flights from Sialkot carrying 3,483 intending pilgrims to Jeddah.

PIA carried 13,365 intending pilgrims through regular scheduled flights while 3,655 intending pilgrims were carried through chartered flights.

The salient features for this year’s Pre –Hajj operation were reduction in Hujjaj reporting time from 16 hours to 08 hours, elimination of Hajji camps in Pakistan which helped in a saving of PKR 50 million, light refreshments were also provided at Departure lounges for the Hajjis and Tarbiyatti Video for Hujjaj information in facilitating them reduced processing time at the airports.

PIA spokesman added that to keep maximum cleanliness on board during the flight, one cabin cleaner was also posted on these flights throughout the journey.

He said keeping in view the past experiences PIA had geared itself up and made all possible arrangements so that returning Hujjaj may not face any hardship and the return trip may be comfortable travelling with PIA.

It may be mentioned that this year besides PIA, Shaheen Air carried 14,300 intending pilgrims, Nasair carried 5,700 pilgrims and Saudi Airlines carried 27,000 intending pilgrims while other Middle Eastern carriers carried 25,929 passengers.

The Post Hajj Operation will begin on 10 November 2011 and conclude on 10 December 2011. PIA spokesman concluded.

Source: PIA Press Release (November 1, 2011)

[Huraiz]

I'm surprised to see only 22 Haj flights from Karachi.one would think that Karachi will have more flights considering the large catchment area.

[Abbas Ali]

Hajj pilgrims who opted to travel on regular scheduled flights of other airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways have begun arriving in Pakistan.

Around 20 pilgrims were among passengers of one such flight that arrived in Karachi today.

PIA post-Hajj flights operation will start on November 10.

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

PIA Post-Hajj Flights Operation from November 10

November 09, 2011: First Post Hajj Flight PK-2502 will leave Jeddah Hajj terminal for Islamabad at 1600 hrs local time (6pm Pakistan Standard Time - PST) arriving Islamabad at Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) 11pm (PST) on Thursday.

PIA’s Post-Hajj Operation for bringing back the Hajjis from Saudi Arabia begins 10 November 2011.

Similarly, the first Post Hajj flights will leave Jeddah as follows:

PK-2102 for Peshawar at 1655 arriving 2330 hrs (PST); for Karachi PK-7682 will depart Jeddah 1830 hrs local time arriving at 0030hrs (PST); for Islamabad PK-2402 will depart 1930 hrs arriving 0210hrs (PST) and PK-4732 departs 2110 hrs Jeddah time and reach at 0330hrs (PST), for Lahore PK-2202 will take off at 2320 hrs arriving at 0530 hrs (PST) and for Quetta PK-2804 departs Jeddah at 0050 hrs arriving at 0700hrs (PST) respectively.

Meanwhile, Director Airport Services & Chief Coordinator Hajj Operations PIA, Mr. Aijaz Mazhar and a team of Senior Officials of PIA are present at Jeddah Airport to facilitate the returning Hajjis. The PIA Officials are in constant communication with Jeddah CAA for speedy security and immigration procedures. The Hajjis have also been advised by PIA to reach Jeddah Airport at least 08 hours before the required check-in time.

While briefing the PIA officials at Hajj Terminal Mr. Aijaz Mazhar said that for the first time in history PIA Management with collaboration with Saudi Civil Aviation Authorities managed to allocate a dedicated bay for PIA Hajj Flights. This will help PIA to process smooth handling of Hajj Flights at Jeddah Hajj Terminal. PIA also allotted 12 special check-in counters and three baggage and scanning belts for efficient handling of baggage.

Meanwhile, MD PIA Capt. Nadeem Khan Yousufzai is in constant touch with the officials at Jeddah to ensure maximum facilitation to the returning Hajjis and timely departure of PIA flights.

Source: PIA Press Release (November 9, 2011)

[Abbas Ali]

News channels are reporting delay in arrival of PIA Hajj flights to various cities including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta.

PK-2502 arrived at Islamabad in early hours of November 11 from Jeddah after a delay of three hours. The flight brought 499 pilgrims.

PK-7862 arrived at Karachi in early hours of November 11 from Jeddah with a delay of two hours. The flight brought 455 pilgrims.

PIA officials have blamed late arrival of pilgrims at Jeddah Airport Hajj terminal that delayed departure of these flights from Jeddah. The flights were not delayed due to any technical problem with the aircraft.

First post-Hajj flight to Peshawar brought 329 pilgrims. From Peshawar airport, pilgrims were transported to Haji camp where their relatives were waiting to receive them.

First post-Hajj flight to Quetta brought 203 pilgrims.

Abbas