SIALKOT (The Thursday Times) — Saudi budget airline Flynas will start flights between Jeddah and Sialkot on November 29, the operator of Sialkot International Airport said on Thursday, giving travellers in central Punjab another direct link to Saudi Arabia.
The airline has also announced a Jeddah–Faisalabad service starting a day later, on November 30, according to its published schedule, adding a second new Pakistani city to its network.
Sialkot International Airport Limited said the route would give more options to business travellers, pilgrims, and people visiting family in Saudi Arabia, and reflected airlines’ growing interest in the city.
What it means for travellers
Travellers from the two cities and surrounding districts have often had to go to Lahore or Islamabad for flights to Jeddah. The new routes give them a direct option for work, family visits, and Umrah.
Fares and the number of weekly flights were not part of the airport’s announcement. Passengers can check schedules and prices with the airline.
Saudi Arabia is the largest source of remittances to Pakistan, and in October it again sent the biggest share of the $3.9bn that reached the country.
Jeddah is also the main gateway for pilgrims heading to Mecca. This week Saudi Arabia’s Hajj ministry honoured Pakistan’s Hajj mission.
