Pakistan International Airline’s operations came to a halt on 21 March
Civil Aviation Authority partially allows to run international operations amid corona virus pandemic
PIA resumes flight operation to United Kingdom. The daily special flights are operating from Lahore and Islamabad today. The decision will rescue Pakistanis who are in UK. According to PIA spokesperson, the airline prioritizes passengers who were having tickets in advance. He adds that the stuck passengers demanded reduced fares on humanitarian grounds.
READ: Pakistan Extends Aviation Ban Until 21 April https://www.fact-file.com/2020/04/09/pakistan-extends-aviation-ban-until-21-april/
He further states that it includes discount of up to PKR 11,000 on cost of tickets for Pakistani citizens.
These special flights have two purposes. One is to bring back Pakistanis who are stuck in United Kingdom. On the other hand, it will take back the British citizens stuck in Pakistan.
The aviation authority allows Pakistan International Airline to partially resume its flight operations for United Kingdom. Aviation Division’s special permission is only applicable to the national flag-carrier.
CAA website is here: www.caapakistan.com.pk
Government of Pakistan is working to fight corona within and outside Pakistan. Federal Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar directs PIA management to plan and execute these operations on priority to address concern of Pakistani and British citizens.
PIA suspended all international flights due to corona virus pandemic on 21st of March. Today, PIA is partially resuming their flight operations.
Thus, PIA resumes flight operation to United Kingdom. This partial resume is likely to help thousands of stuck Pakistanis. Many of them also send regular remittance to the country. They also have close family members in Pakistan.
During regular times, there are over 500,000 people travelling to Pakistan from UK through direct and indirect flights. The travel purposes include business engagements, personal events such as marriages and vacations. However, the corona virus has significantly altered the travel plans of millions of Pakistanis.
