Pakistan to resume int’l flights after months of suspension

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ISLAMABAD. KAZINFORM The government of Pakistan has decided to resume international flight operations from May 30 after being suspended for two months due to coronavirus outbreak.

The local media reported on Friday quoting a statement from Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, IRNA reports.


«As per decision of the Federal Government, the outbound international flights (scheduled, non scheduled and charter flights) operation have been allowed with effect from 2359 hours tonight,» said Spokesperson Aviation Division Abdul Sattar Khokhar.

In a statement, the spokesperson added that both national and foreign airlines will be allowed to operate from all international airports of Pakistan, except Gwadar and Turbat.

«SOPs for outbound international flights have already been issued according to which airlines will be required to follow the SOPs of the destination country.»

Keeping in view the current situation, the statement said that congestion at airports will not be allowed and planes will be disinfected.

The country had resumed partial domestic flight operations on May 16.

Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) together have almost lost US$117 million (9,000,000,000 Pakistani Rupees) in past one and half months due to coronavirus outbreak.

In March, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) suspended all international flights in the wake of the novel coronavirus.

A month later, the government extended the suspension of international and domestic flight operations till April 30 in line with the national strategy to stem the spread of novel coronavirus.

However, during that period, PIA resumed its relief flights to repatriate stranded Pakistani nationals.


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