PIA Umrah Flight Routes & Frequencies
PIA operates both scheduled flights and seasonal Umrah charter flights from major Pakistani hubs to the Holy Land.
On-board Spiritual Services & Facilities
PIA flights are tailored specifically to meet the requirements of Muslims performing Hajj or Umrah:
🕋 Inflight Prayer Area & Qibla Tracking
Most wide-body aircraft operated by PIA on the Saudi route have a small, designated prayer area with curtain privacy at the rear of the cabin. The inflight entertainment screens show real-time GPS tracking of the aircraft alongside a Qibla compass pointing towards Makkah.
📢 Automated Miqat Announcements
Approximately 30 minutes before landing at Jeddah KAIA, the flight deck and cabin crew make Urdu and English announcements notifying pilgrims that the aircraft is approaching the Miqat boundary (Rabigh). This gives male pilgrims who are not yet dressed in Ihram a final opportunity to change in the cabin lavatories (though it is strongly advised to put on the Ihram sheets at Lahore Airport before boarding due to tight cabin toilet space).
Comparison: PIA vs. Saudia Airlines for Umrah Pilgrims
When planning your package, you will likely choose between Pakistan's national carrier (PIA) and Saudi Arabia's national carrier (Saudia). Here is a detailed side-by-side comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) | Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) |
|---|---|---|
| In-flight Language & Crew | Urdu-speaking cabin crew, familiar with traditional Pakistani pilgrim needs. | Arabic & English crew, with basic Urdu-speaking staff on subcontinent flights. |
| Designated Prayer Spaces | Small rear space with curtain privacy on wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft. | Dedicated prayer room at the rear of wide-body aircraft (accommodates 6–8 people). |
| Baggage Limits | 46kg total (2 pieces of 23kg each) + 7kg hand-carry. | 46kg total (2 pieces of 23kg each) + 7kg hand-carry. |
| Terminal Experience (Jeddah) | Jeddah Airport (KAIA) Terminal 1 (Standard arrivals queue). | Jeddah Airport (KAIA) Terminal 1 (Saudia has priority immigration lanes). |
PIA Umrah Ticket Rules & Change Penalties
Unlike standard commercial tickets, Umrah flight seats booked via travel agency group allocations are subject to specific rules. Review the table below for standard penalty structures:
| Ticket Category | Cancellation Fee | Date Change Penalty | No-Show Penalty | Name Correction Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Charter Ticket (Promo) | Non-Refundable | Not Allowed | 100% Ticket Loss | Not Allowed (new ticket required) |
| Individual Economy Ticket | PKR 20,000 + tax | PKR 12,000 + fare diff | PKR 25,000 + tax | Subject to minor spelling fix fees |
| Business Class Ticket | PKR 15,000 + tax | PKR 8,000 + fare diff | PKR 18,000 + tax | Subject to airline verification |
Special Assistance & Wheelchair Booking
If traveling with elderly or disabled pilgrims, pre-booking assistance is critical to a comfortable flight experience:
- How to Request: Wheelchair (WCHR/WCHS/WCHC) codes must be attached to your PNR booking at least 48 hours prior to flight departure. Inform our team during package booking.
- Airport Check-in: Upon arrival at LHE, KHI, or ISB, head directly to the dedicated PIA Special Assistance counter near the terminal entrance. A porter will be assigned to guide you through security and immigration.
- Jeddah / Madinah Arrival: Wheelchair service continues at Saudi airports. Dedicated transport staff will assist your family members through immigration checkpoints up to the airport terminal exit doors.
PIA Checked Baggage Specifications
To prevent luggage delays or rejection at Lahore Airport's check-in desks, ensure your bags match PIA's exact specifications:
- Checked Allowance: 2 bags of up to 23kg each (total 46kg) in Economy class. Business class allows 2 bags of up to 32kg each (total 64kg).
- Bag Dimensions: The sum of the 3 dimensions (Length + Width + Height) of each bag must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm). Over-sized boxes or odd-shaped items may be rejected or sent to the oversized baggage counter.
- Carry-On: 1 hand carry bag of maximum 7kg, plus one personal item (like a small laptop bag, lady's purse, or infant diaper bag).
- Infant Allowance: Infants (under 2 years old, lap seat) are allowed 1 piece of checked baggage up to 10kg, plus one collapsible stroller checked at the gate.
PIA Hajj & Umrah Nationwide Departure Hubs
PIA operates regular direct and connecting flight schedules to Jeddah and Madinah from the following Pakistani cities:
- • Lahore (LHE): Allama Iqbal International Terminal
- • Karachi (KHI): Jinnah International Terminal 1
- • Islamabad (ISB): New Islamabad Airport Terminal
- • Multan (MUX): Multan International Terminal
- • Sialkot (SKT): Sialkot International Terminal
- • Peshawar (PEW): Bacha Khan International Terminal