Passengers Will Pay Separately for Food, Luggage, Preferred Seating
Saudi Arabia’s private budget airline is set to begin low-cost operations in Pakistan, offering flights between Karachi, Lahore, Jeddah, and Riyadh.
The airline, which entered the aviation sector in 2021, previously started trial budget flights for Hajj pilgrims from Pakistan last year.
Hajj and Umrah flights from Karachi to Jeddah and Riyadh will operate twice a week, while similar operations from Lahore to the same Saudi destinations will run on alternate days.
Features of the Airline
Budget carriers focus on affordability, offering only economy-class seating and excluding additional amenities. Passengers pay separately for food, luggage, and preferred seating. These airlines typically use shorter routes and cost-efficient secondary airports to reduce operational expenses.
The airline previously conducted trial budget flights for Hajj pilgrims and now plans to expand these services to cater to a larger audience seeking economical travel options.
Local travel and tour operators in Pakistan have expressed skepticism about the success of Saudi Arabia’s budget airline in the region.
Mohsin Malik, a travel consultant, noted, “Every new airline entering Pakistan initially offers attractive deals, but fares tend to align with local airlines over time as passenger demand increases.”
Muhammad Amin Khan, a representative of the Tours and Travels Agent Association, highlighted the need for affordability for pilgrims.
“Currently, no airline in Pakistan operates as a true budget carrier. With added costs for food and luggage, such airlines might not serve poor pilgrims effectively. We urge the government to introduce subsidies or special fares for Hajj and Umrah travelers.”
The success of Saudi Arabia’s budget airline in Pakistan will depend on its ability to maintain low fares, deliver satisfactory services, and build trust among passengers.
