ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday extended the suspension of international flight operations until the end of May, while it allowed a partial resumption of domestic flights from Saturday.
“The suspension of international flight operations as effected earlier has been extended up to Sunday, May 31, 2020 at 23:59 hours PST. Remaining provisions as applicable to the suspension of international flights reflected in previous orders remain unchanged,” the Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) said in a statement.
International travel has been banned since March 21, as a measure to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Meanwhile, domestic flights will resume at five major airports on Saturday, PCAA announced.
The decision comes as the country has started to reboot economic activity and ease coronavirus restrictions on businesses.
PCAA said in a Twitter post that the Aviation Division has strict standard operating procedures to ensure the safety of passengers and aircrew, including disinfection of aircraft, at least one vacant seat between the passengers, compulsory face masks and use of hand sanitizer.
3/9 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 sanitizer.
— PCAAOfficial (@official_pcaa) May 15, 2020
Passengers will undergo thermal scanning prior to departure and upon arrival in their destination cities.
The five airports are Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Islamabad International Airport (IIAP), Quetta International Airport, and Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar.
