Pak resumes domestic flights partially as nationwide lockdown eased

Islamabad, May 16

Pakistan on Saturday resumed home flight operations in a phased method as the federal government eased the nationwide-lockdown imposed to include the unfold of the coronavirus that has claimed the lives of over 830 folks within the nation.

The resumption of the home flight providers underneath strict restrictions from 5 main airports on Saturday got here because the Pakistan authorities final week stated that it might start a phased lifting of the lockdown attributable to its impact on the financial system and the workforce, the Geo News reported.

“The first Pakistan International Airline (PIA) flight carrying 84 passengers departed from Karachi for Lahore at 1 pm along with flights for Lahore and Islamabad via private airlines,” the report stated.

A spokesperson for the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCCA) stated home flights will probably be operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and one non-public firm for now.

The ban on worldwide flight operations, in the meantime, has been prolonged till May 31.

PCCA in a sequence of tweet on Friday stated it might be retaining a detailed monitor of the passengers earlier than they board the flight to make sure there isn’t any additional rise in COVID-19 circumstances.

“In view of the difficulties being faced by passengers in travelling between major cities in Pakistan, Pakistan 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,” the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority stated in a tweet.

The PCCA stated that it has set very strict Standard working Procedures (SOP), guaranteeing disinfection, sanitising, social distancing and security for the airline crew and passengers.

“It is highlighted that the SOPs for domestic passengers and chartered flight operation require disinfection of the aircraft prior to boarding, at least one vacant seat between the passengers, compulsory wearing of masks and use of hand sanitiser,” PCCA stated in an additional tweet.

As per the norms, no meals and drinks will probably be allowed throughout home flight.

Airlines are required to take care of emergency Personal Protective Equipment in each plane to cope with any well being emergency throughout flight.

“Every passenger will be required to fill a health declaration form prior to boarding the aircraft, which include identification of the passenger, brief travel history during the past two weeks, current health state and an undertaking to comply with the SOPs,” the PCCA stated within the sequence of tweets.

Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan earlier stated that social distancing will probably be adopted based mostly on accessible seats and flights will solely be allowed to fill 50 per cent of their full capability, the report stated.

Pakistan on Saturday stated it has reported 1,581 new circumstances of coronavirus within the final 24 hours, taking the entire infections within the nation to 38,799 with 834 deaths. — PTI