In an effort to provide financial relief to travelers, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a substantial 30% reduction in airfare for flights from Karachi to Jeddah and Madinah. This significant discount comes at a time when many travelers are looking for more affordable options for their journeys, especially for religious pilgrimages.
According to a spokesperson for the national flag carrier, the revised one-way fare from Karachi to either Jeddah or Madinah is now set at Rs56,000, inclusive of all taxes. For those opting for a round-trip, the fare has been slashed to Rs88,000, also inclusive of taxes. This fare reduction is a major cut from previous rates, making air travel more accessible to a broader range of passengers.
The discounted ticket rates are available for booking until August 31, 2024. Travelers who take advantage of this offer will be allowed to travel until September 30, 2024. PIA has confirmed that these new fares are effective immediately, providing an opportunity for travelers to secure their tickets at reduced prices well in advance of their travel dates.
This latest fare reduction follows a similar move by PIA in June, when the airline announced discounted fares for Umrah pilgrims traveling to Madinah. At that time, the two-way ticket from Lahore and Islamabad to Madinah was reduced to Rs86,000, while the fare from Karachi to Madinah was set at Rs76,000, excluding taxes. The original fare for an Umrah ticket was Rs120,000, making the discount a welcome relief for pilgrims.
The timing of this fare reduction is strategic, coinciding with a period when many travelers, especially those planning religious pilgrimages, are looking for economical travel options. By making these routes more affordable, PIA is not only supporting the needs of religious travelers but also enhancing its competitiveness in the regional travel market.
This move also reflects PIA’s ongoing efforts to rebuild its customer base by offering more affordable and attractive travel options. The airline, which has faced financial challenges in recent years, is seeking to regain its position as a preferred choice for travelers by focusing on customer-centric policies and competitive pricing.
The reduced fares are expected to encourage more people to travel, particularly to the holy cities of Jeddah and Madinah. This could lead to an increase in passenger numbers for PIA, thereby helping to boost the airline’s revenue. Additionally, the fare reduction may also contribute to the overall growth of religious tourism, as more people will be able to afford the journey for Umrah and other religious purposes.
