ISLAMABAD – Due to the absence of a polio vaccination certificate, hundreds of Umrah pilgrims were prevented from boarding flights to Saudi Arabia at airports across Pakistan.
Recent reports reveal that in the past 24 hours, airlines—including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as well as private and international carriers—refused boarding to 228 passengers for lacking the mandatory certificate.
Read more: PIA announces discounted fares for Umrah pilgrims
Sources indicate that Saudi aviation authority GACA now requires all travelers arriving in Saudi Arabia from February 10 onward to present a polio vaccination certificate. Additionally, the Saudi Ministry of Aviation mandates that passengers obtain the certificate at least four weeks before their departure.
