Citizens, civil society, and the business community of Sialkot and its adjoining regions have expressed their profound disappointment over the exclusion of Sialkot International Airport from the 2025 Hajj flight operations.
As Pakistan’s first privately owned international airport, Sialkot International has long stood as a symbol of innovation and efficiency, consistently offering world-class services, including smooth and successful Hajj operations for thousands of pilgrims across the region.
Owing to its strategic location and state-of-the-art infrastructure, it has served as the most convenient and reliable hub for intending pilgrims from districts such as Sialkot, Gujranwala, Narowal, Hafizabad, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Wazirabad, Kharian, Lala Musa, and Mirpur (AJK).
The sudden suspension of Hajj flights from this vital airport has sparked widespread concern and hardship. Pilgrims now face longer travel distances, increased costs, and unnecessary logistical complications in reaching alternative departure airports.
This decision is not only logistically flawed but also inequitable for the thousands of pilgrims who have relied on Sialkot International Airport for safe, accessible, and dignified Hajj travel.
It disregards the airport’s proven track record in managing Hajj operations with excellence and professionalism.
On behalf of the Concerned Citizens of the Region, Chairman Sialkot International Airport Hassan Ali Bhatti makes a respectful yet urgent appeal to the following esteemed leaders to immediately review and reverse this decision in the larger interest of the public:
- Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
- Chief Minister of Punjab, Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif
- Federal Minister for Aviation, Khawaja Muhammad Asif Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf
Reinstating Hajj operations from Sialkot International Airport is essential to ensuring equitable access to pilgrimage services, and to relieving thousands of pilgrims from unnecessary burdens.
The restoration of Hajj flights from Sialkot is not merely a matter of convenience, it is a matter of public service, dignity, and fundamental rights.
