RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Tuesday announced new fares and rules under its Umra Policy 2020, which would remain effective till Dec 31 this year.

A spokesman for PIA said the economy class fare for Umra pilgrims from Karachi would be Rs91,000 each, whereas Rs96,000 each would be charged from pilgrims travelling from other cities. The maximum limit of baggage will be 36 kilograms for each passenger travelling from Pakistan to Jeddah or Madina.

He said flights would remain open under the system, but as per market requirements group requests would also be entertained. The spokesman further said that the airlines had started booking for groups of Umra pilgrims and the minimum size of the group would be 10 passengers.

The validity of air tickets will be one month from the date of departure.

Passengers of the Executive Economy Class will be allowed to carry 40 kilograms of baggage and each pilgrim would be allowed to carry five litres of Zamzam water, excluding the baggage limit. In addition to this, 10 kilograms of baggage allowance will be granted in terms of an infant.

The spokesman said that under the rules, PIA had facilitated passengers in terms of change of bookings (COB) without paying extra charges for one count if the request was made seven days before the date of departure.

Saudi Arabia has permitted all international airlines to fly in pilgrims with valid visas to perform Umra.

The aviation authority has instructed the airlines to strictly follow the Covid-19 SOPs.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2020