Islamabad: Concerns have been raised that Pakistani airlines could face fines due to repeated delays in Umrah flights, causing inconvenience to hundreds of passengers traveling to Saudi Arabia for religious pilgrimage.
According to aviation sources, several flights scheduled for Jeddah and Madinah have experienced hours-long delays in recent weeks. This has not only disrupted travel plans but also raised complaints from passengers who are often left stranded at airports without proper facilities.
Officials have indicated that Saudi authorities are closely monitoring the situation and may impose penalties on airlines that fail to maintain punctuality and service standards. Aviation experts warn that such penalties could harm the reputation of Pakistan’s carriers and lead to financial losses at a time when the aviation sector is already struggling.
Passengers, meanwhile, have urged airlines and regulators to ensure better flight management and customer care, especially during the peak Umrah season when thousands of pilgrims rely on timely services.
Industry insiders suggest that unless Pakistani airlines improve their scheduling, ground operations, and customer handling, they could face not only penalties but also long-term trust issues with travelers.
This situation underscores the need for greater accountability, coordination, and efficiency in Pakistan’s aviation industry.
