AirSial has shared important guidelines for transporting deceased passengers across Pakistan, offering free travel for one accompanying family member while simplifying documentation and domestic cargo procedures.
WEBDESK – UzGul – MEDIABITES NEWS
AirSial has issued important guidance for families who need to transport the body of a deceased loved one from one city to another within Pakistan, offering a facility aimed at easing the emotional and financial burden during times of loss.
The airline has encouraged the public to become familiar with the service, especially for families whose loved ones live and work far from their hometowns. According to the information shared, one accompanying passenger can travel free of charge with the deceased on a domestic flight, with only applicable government taxes payable.
The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of families, particularly those who migrate to major cities for employment and later need to return their loved ones to their native areas for burial.
Helping Families During Difficult Times
Every year, thousands of Pakistanis move from smaller towns and villages to large cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad in search of employment and better opportunities.
Unfortunately, when a family member passes away away from home, relatives often face the difficult task of transporting the deceased back to their hometown. In many cases, families choose road transportation because they are unaware that an air transport facility is available.
During the summer season, lengthy road journeys can become especially challenging due to high temperatures. Long travel hours may also create additional emotional and logistical difficulties for grieving families.
AirSial says its service has been introduced to provide a quicker, safer and more respectful option for transporting the deceased to an airport nearest to their hometown.
One Companion Can Travel Free
According to the airline’s guidance, one family member accompanying the deceased will be allowed to travel on the same flight without paying the airfare.
The accompanying passenger is only required to pay applicable government taxes.
For example, on the Karachi to Islamabad route, the payable tax is approximately Rs2,170, while the airfare itself is waived.
This policy significantly reduces travel expenses for families already dealing with funeral arrangements and other unexpected costs.
Two Deceased Passengers Can Be Transported Per Flight
AirSial has also stated that a single domestic flight can accommodate up to two deceased passengers, depending on operational availability.
Each deceased passenger may be accompanied by one traveler under the same complimentary travel policy.
The airline has advised families to contact the nearest AirSial ticket counter immediately after a death occurs so arrangements can be completed without unnecessary delays.
Required Documents for Transportation
Families wishing to use the service must present several original documents before transportation can be arranged.
The required documents include:
- Original police transit permit or clearance
- Official death certificate
- Original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) of the deceased
- Original CNIC of the accompanying passenger
The airline says these documents are necessary to complete legal formalities and ensure smooth handling of the deceased throughout the transportation process.
Procedure at the Airport
AirSial has also explained the procedure families should follow when bringing the deceased to the airport.
The body should be brought to the Domestic Cargo Terminal at least two hours before the scheduled departure.
Upon arrival, the deceased should be handed over to cargo officials together with all required original documents.
Where applicable, families should also present documentation issued by recognized welfare organizations such as the Edhi Foundation or Chhipa Welfare Association, which often assist with funeral and transportation arrangements.
Completing these procedures in advance helps ensure timely loading of the deceased onto the scheduled flight.
Reducing the Burden on Working Families
The facility is particularly important for people who work away from their hometowns.
Many Pakistanis spend years working in Karachi and other metropolitan cities while their families continue living in different districts across the country.
If a death occurs, transporting the deceased by road can require several hours—or even an entire day—depending on the destination. During periods of extreme heat, long-distance road transportation may also become more difficult.
By using domestic flights, families can significantly reduce travel time and ensure the deceased reaches home more quickly for funeral arrangements.
Public Awareness Remains Essential
Despite the availability of the service, many families remain unaware that AirSial offers this facility.
As a result, relatives often choose road transportation without realizing that a faster and more affordable alternative exists.
The airline hopes that sharing this information more widely will help more families benefit from the service during difficult circumstances.
Compassion Beyond Air Travel
While airlines are primarily known for transporting passengers, services like this demonstrate another important role they can play during times of personal tragedy.
Providing complimentary travel for an accompanying family member allows relatives to remain close to their loved one while reducing financial pressure during an already emotional period.
The initiative reflects a compassionate approach to customer service by helping families focus on funeral arrangements rather than transportation challenges.
Families Encouraged to Contact AirSial Promptly
AirSial has advised the public that, in the unfortunate event of a death, families should immediately contact the nearest AirSial ticket counter or airport office for guidance.
Airline staff can explain the documentation requirements, flight availability and cargo procedures, helping families complete the process with minimum delay.
The airline also recommends confirming the latest policies and applicable taxes before travel, as operational procedures may be updated from time to time.
By offering this facility, AirSial aims to make one of life’s most difficult journeys a little easier, ensuring that families can bring their loved ones home with dignity, respect and timely support.
