I believe 4 factors influenced the lack of charters and different carriers
1/ Lesser number of pilgrims than originally expected.
2/High cost of fuel for say L1011 operators which were expected
3/Most importantly airlines dont like to take their aircraft out of service for too long and in this case where the event went for a week -no way.
In case of soccer finals aircraft are usually in and out within 24 hrs and sometimes same day therefore reducing any loss of income which would have occurred if the aircraft parked for a week.
4/a huge lead in time allowing the pilgrims to book on scheduled flights a long time out.
PS PX operted a few 763 flights as well.
Cheers Lloyd
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