Coronavirus lockdown: Saudi authorities grants PIA additional three days to bring back Pakistanis

• PIA carriers will be allowed to bring back Pakistani travelers and Umrah pilgrims.
• It was decided that an insurance company would pay for the accommodation of the Umrah pilgrims.

The government of Saudi Arabia has granted Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) three additional days till March 19 to bring back its Umrah pilgrims and travelers, after the Kingdom banned the entry of Pakistanis, as the country imposed a lock-down to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Coming as good news for Pakistani travelers and Umrah pilgrims trapped in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority has permitted PIA for a three days special flight operation, under which PIA carriers will be allowed to bring back Pakistani travelers and Umrah pilgrims.

Furthermore, the Director-General Hajj and the Council General had an important meeting in Jeddah, where issues relating to the return of pilgrims were discussed.

At the meeting, it was decided that an insurance company would pay for the accommodation of the Umrah pilgrims.

Furthermore, in the case of pilgrims' visa expiry, the date will be extended until there departure. Whereas, focal personnel has been appointed for the Umrah pilgrims, who will look into all matters.

It was decided in the meeting that Saudi Airlines and other airlines will reschedule their flights. According to the spokesman of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the ministry is committed to facilitating Pakistani Umrah pilgrims trapped in Saudi Arabia.

The spokesperson informed that the ministry has set up three front desk convenience counters at Jeddah Airport.

According to ministry, the staff is playing a vital role in liaison between the consulate and the Saudi officials for the return of Pakistani pilgrims.

It may be mentioned here that the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) suspended all flight operations from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia for a period of two weeks, starting from March 15 “due to necessary precaution and protection to prevent outbreak of the Corona Virus," according to a Saudi authorities' circular received here.