Iran Air, launched by the Iranian government to facilitate pilgrims, has begun its operations on Friday night.
The inaugural Iran Air flight departed from Quetta for Zahedan on Friday. The Airbus A-319 arrived at Quetta International Airport at 9:15 p.m. and, after a stay of more than two hours, departed at 11:30 p.m. for Zahedan, the capital of Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, with 75 passengers on board.
Initially, Iran Air will operate one flight per week between Quetta and Zahedan, with the frequency subject to increase depending on passenger demand.
A ceremony was held at Quetta Airport to mark the occasion, attended by the Consul General of Iran in Quetta and other officials, members of the business community, and representatives from the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Quetta Airport Manager Waheed Shah, Terminal Manager Ismail Khoso, and Airport Security Force Chief Security Officer were also present to see off the passengers.
Last month, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that due to security concerns, Pakistani pilgrims would not be allowed to travel by road to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen. In a social media statement, he said the decision was made after detailed consultations with the Foreign Ministry, the Balochistan government, and security agencies.
