KARACHI, Nov 24: The chairman of the Pakistan International Airlines has apologized for the inconvenience recently suffered by Umrah passengers in Jeddah, Makkah and Madina.

Over 22,000 Umrah passengers were stranded in Saudi Arabia during Ramazan when they could not be flown back by the national carrier. A large number of pilgrims waited for hours in long queues in PIA offices to get their reserved seats confirmed.

Many passengers alleged that they had to pay 100 to 200 riyals to the airline staff to get their seats confirmed. In a press release issued here on Wednesday, PIA chairman Ahmed Saeed said: "On my behalf and on behalf of the corporation I extend my sincere apologies to all people who have been put to inconvenience."

The press release said that an inquiry had been completed and the airline admitted to having not planned the Umrah operation properly. "It is unfortunate that PIA could not foresee this year the extent of the huge increase in the number of Umrah passengers, who wanted to return within a particular timeframe and hence could not make adequate arrangements."

The press release said the chairman had assured that the responsible personnel would be taken to task and corrective measures would be taken for Umrah operations next year and afterwards. "Standing operation procedures are being amended accordingly and the corporation assures that this will not happen in future."