The federal government has formally invited air charter operators to begin direct chartered flight operations for pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq, replacing the previously relied-upon road travel.

The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) issued a statement on Thursday announcing that all licensed air charter service providers are now eligible to apply for launching dedicated routes between Pakistan and key pilgrimage destinations in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq.

The move comes as part of the government’s efforts to streamline and secure the travel experience for thousands of Pakistani pilgrims who undertake annual religious journeys to holy sites in Najaf, Karbala, Baghdad, and Mashhad.

According to a spokesperson for the PCAA, “All operators with a valid air charter licence are invited to submit applications for operating charter services to and from Iran and Iraq. The authority will ensure swift approvals to facilitate religious tourism.”

The federal government’s decision follows the suspension of all road-based pilgrim travel between Pakistan and Iran due to growing safety concerns.

Officials say the shift toward air connectivity aims to provide a safer, faster, and more organized travel mechanism for pilgrims.

Unlike commercial airlines, chartered flights will allow for tailored schedules, group-based travel, and access to smaller airports closer to pilgrimage sites, easing pressure on conventional travel infrastructure and allowing for better coordination during peak religious events such as Arbaeen and Chehlum.

The PCAA has assured stakeholders that the process for approval will be kept efficient, with a special desk set up to deal with religious tourism-related applications. “The priority is to ensure that pilgrims can travel with peace of mind and dignity,” the spokesperson added.