Islamabad: British Airways has resumed flights to Pakistan as travel restrictions begin to ease thanks to the decline in coronavirus cases in the country. The first flight BA260 arrived at Islamabad airport on August 14 – Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Air operations began with a mandatory mask rule and new measures at airports to ensure the protection of passengers and equipment. All passengers and equipment should wear mask and access to hand sanitizers during the flight to reduce the threat of infection on board, the official said.
British Airways has announced 3 direct flights according to the week to and from Heathrow Airport and Islamabad Airport. From Islamabad, flights would depart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while flights from London can benefit from the flight on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
British High Commissioner Christian Turner CMG called the resumption of British Airways direct flights “a wonderful seasoning for the thousands of regular travellers between our two wonderful nations.” The resumption of flights would be advantage for those whose travel plans have been disrupted by the pandemic. Dr Turner thanked the government of Pakistan, British Airways and their team for making this imaginable soon.
Moran Birger, head of sales for Asia Pacific and Middle East at British Airways, said the British airline is pleased to resume flight service between Pakistan and the UK. “We know that many of our clients in both countries were looking forward to meeting with their friends and family. We looked forward to welcome you back on board,” he said.
Direct flights
Flight renewal is an “important step in reconnecting advertising and interpersonal ties between the UK and Pakistan,” according to the British High Commission in Islamabad. Direct British Airways flights resumed after a 10-year break in June 2019. The airline first visited Islamabad in 1976.
Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, Oman Air, Air Arabia, SaudiGulf Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Malindo Air are other foreign airlines flying lately to and from Pakistan following the other COVID restrictions.
Pakistan announced the opening of all domestic and foreign flights last week after the country experienced a record drop in coronavirus cases. Normal domestic flights resumed at almost all airports in Pakistan from 6 August, with the exception of Turbat, Pangjur, Dalbadin, Zhob, Pasni, Moenjodaro, Nawabshah and Bahawalpur airports. However, all operators are required to put the established rules into effect and download prior approval of the authority’s schedule.
Pakistan government decided to shut all its land borders and suspended all domestic and international flights in March after the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Dear reader,
Sign up to read and complete gulfnews.com