Domestic flight operation partially resumes in Pakistan

KARACHI: Pakistan is set to partially resume its domestic flights from five major airports as part of a government’s initiative to gradually lift coronavirus restrictions in the country.

In a video statement issued on Friday, Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan said that 20% of domestic flights would resume on Saturday from five airports – Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, Islamabad International Airport (IIAP), Quetta International Airport, and Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport.

2/9 Federal Minister for Aviation Mr. Ghulam Sarwar khan has stated that Aviation Division has prepared very strict SOPs ensuring disinfection, social distancing and safety for the airline crew and passengers. Initially PIA and Serene Air will operate the domestic flights.

— PCAAOfficial (@official_pcaa) May 15, 2020

1/9 In view of the difficulties being faced by passengers in travelling between major cities in Pakistan, GoP has been pleased to allow limited domestic flight operation from 5 major airports namely Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta with effect from 16th May, 2020.

— PCAAOfficial (@official_pcaa) May 15, 2020

Sarwar had said social distancing will be followed based on available seats and flights will only be allowed to fill 50% of their full capacity.

Jinnah International Airport Karachi has prepared for start of domestic operation from 16th May, 2020. pic.twitter.com/gkMHxe7LRl

— PCAAOfficial (@official_pcaa) May 15, 2020

The move came “in view of the difficulties being faced by passengers in travelling between major cities in Pakistan”, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) said on Twitter.

The minister, it added, noted that the “Aviation Division has prepared very strict SOPs ensuring disinfection, social distancing and safety for the airline crew and passengers”.