Islamabad (National Times) Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a significant 30% reduction in fares for its flights from Karachi to the Saudi Arabian cities of Jeddah and Madinah, the airline’s spokesperson confirmed on Monday.

With this fare reduction, a one-way ticket from Karachi to either Jeddah or Madinah is now priced at Rs56,000, inclusive of taxes. A return ticket to either of these cities will cost Rs88,000, also inclusive of taxes. The revised fares have already been implemented, it was maintained.

According to the PIA spokesperson, these discounted tickets will be available for purchase until August 31, with travel allowed up to September 30. The fare reduction comes during the ongoing Umrah season, which started in July.

In an effort to further facilitate pilgrims, PIA recently launched direct Umrah flights to Jeddah from Quetta and Faisalabad. These flights commenced on August 6, expanding travel options for pilgrims from different regions of Pakistan.

This move by PIA is expected to ease the financial burden on travellers during the Umrah season, encouraging more Pakistanis to undertake the pilgrimage to the holy sites in Saudi Arabia.