The government has announced a significant reduction in Hajj airfares for 2025, providing financial relief to pilgrims.

Under the revised fares, each of the 89,605 pilgrims will pay Rs220,000 for air travel, Rs14,000 less than the Rs234,000 charged last year.

This reduction of $50 per person in the charges will amount to savings of Rs1.24 billion for the pilgrims. The decrease in ticket prices comes as a result of negotiations between Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, with PIA agreeing to lower its fares for the second consecutive year.

The decision will apply to other airlines, including Saudi Arabia. After PIA, the ministry is also expected to finalize deals with other private Pakistani airlines, as well as Saudi national airlines, later this week.

The division of travel arrangements will see 40% of pilgrims flying with PIA, another 40% with Saudi Airlines, and the remaining 20% with private Pakistani airlines.

The process for receiving applications under the government Hajj Scheme 2025 began on Monday and will continue until December 3. The lottery for the official Hajj scheme is scheduled to take place on December 6. Applicants participating in the regular scheme for the first time will be given priority in the lottery, according to the religious ministry spokesperson.

A total of 5,000 seats have been allocated for the sponsorship scheme. Under this scheme, overseas Pakistanis can contribute $4,225 for themselves or their relatives, with allocations being made on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Hajj packages offer two options: a long stay of 38-42 days and a short stay of 20-25 days. The ministry encourages eligible applicants to submit their applications promptly to avail of the opportunity.