PIA Dead Body Cargo Booking from Saudi Arabia

PIA provides free air freight for transporting human remains from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan — but the airline only handles the flight itself. Families still need a private ground cargo handler in KSA to manage airport logistics, security clearances, and warehouse transitions. Understanding both sides of this process prevents costly delays.

PIA Free Freight Eligibility

Pakistan International Airlines waives the air freight charge for deceased Pakistani nationals if the family provides a valid CNIC or NICOP number for the deceased. The family must coordinate with the cargo handler and provide the flight number, departure date, and estimated arrival time to the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) at least 24 hours before the flight lands. OPF airport staff handle customs clearance at the Pakistan end and arrange free ambulance transport from the airport to the family's home village.

Private Cargo Handlers You Need in Saudi Arabia

While PIA covers the air freight, three private cargo companies handle the ground logistics in the Western Region (Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah):

Sky Freight Al-Arabia Cargo Company — 2,125 SAR total. This breaks down to 600 SAR for the Air Waybill, 375 SAR for SAL Airport Handling, 275 SAR in Sky Freight handling charges, 25 SAR for the WASHAJ barcode, 150 SAR for document translation, and 700 SAR for local mortuary-to-airport transportation.

Al-Wasel Cargo Company — 2,150 SAR total. Includes 600 SAR for the Air Waybill, 410 SAR for SAL Airport Handling, 713 SAR for local transportation within Jeddah, and 427.50 SAR in office service charges.

Rabel International Cargo Company — 2,175 SAR total. Comprises 600 SAR for the Air Waybill, 375 SAR for SAL Airport Handling, 425 SAR in Rabel handling charges, 25 SAR for the WASHAJ barcode, and 750 SAR for transportation within Jeddah.

Documents the Cargo Desk Requires

The cargo handler will not accept the remains without a complete document package:

• Sealed wooden shipping box containing the embalmed remains
• Embalming certificate from Tib-e-Sharayee (Forensic Medical Department)
• Attested translation of the official Saudi death certificate
• Jawazaat exit visa stamped on the deceased's passport
• Air cargo booking bill and customs declaration

The Timing Trap

Many families book cargo flights before securing the embalming slot. The Tib-e-Sharayee facility only receives bodies for embalming by Wednesday before 3:00 PM each week — it does not operate on Thursdays or Fridays. If the remains are not transferred by the Wednesday cutoff, the embalming cannot proceed until the following Saturday, which forces cargo rebookings and added mortuary storage fees.

The Pakistani Dies in Saudi Arabia — Family Guide includes the full document checklist and a step-by-step timeline that sequences the embalming, clearance, and cargo booking so nothing is booked out of order.