ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday resumed outbound international flight operations after having its airspace closed for commercial flights for over two months.
PIA flight, PK701, departed the Islamabad International Airport for Manchester at 9:36 am, confirmed Abdullah Hafiz Khan, an airlines spokesperson, while talking to Arab News.
The outbound commercial flight operations resumed after the Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) issued a statement on Friday, saying: “Both national and foreign airlines shall be allowed to operate from all international airports of Pakistan with exception of Gwadar and Turbat.”
As the pandemic is not over, PCAA said airlines operating the flights will have to follow the standard operating procedures of their destination countries.
“SOPs for outbound international flights have already been issued according to which airlines will be required to follow the SOPs of the destination country. Additionally, disinfection of aircraft will be ensured and no congestion at airports shall be allowed,” the statement read.
International travel was suspended on March 21, as a measure to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Also on Friday, the PCAA said domestic flight volume would be increased, starting from June 1, to up to 45 percent of pre-pandemic operations from the current 20 percent, amid growing business and public demand for air travel.
Domestic flights resumed at five airports on May 16, when the country started to reboot economic activity and ease coronavirus restrictions on businesses.
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.
Pakistan resumes outbound international flights after two months
https://arab.news/ndpps
Pakistan resumes outbound international flights after two months
- International travel was suspended on March 21, as a measure to contain the spread of coronavirus
- Airlines operating international flights will have to follow the SOPs of their destination countries
Punjab extends Basant timings as Lahore marks festival with traditional zeal
- The festival marking the onset of spring was banned in 2008 after deaths and injuries to motorcyclists and pedestrians from stray kite strings
- Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz says the extension is a ‘reward for the people of Lahore for celebrating Basant with great discipline and for responsibly’
ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has extended timings for the Basant kite-flying festival till early Monday morning, she announced on Sunday, as people in the provincial capital of Lahore celebrated the spring festival with traditional zeal for the third consecutive day.
The Basant, a festival marking the onset of spring, was banned in 2008 after deaths and injuries to motorcyclists and pedestrians from stray kite strings — sometimes coated with metal to make them more fearsome in mid-air battles.
The government of CM Nawaz this year allowed Basant festivities in the provincial capital of Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural heart, on Feb. 6-8, but issued an extensive safety plan regarding kite materials and motorcyclists and pedestrians to avoid any untoward incident.
Extravagantly colored kites continued to duel above Lahore and residents gathered on rooftops with family, friends and visitors for the third day on Sunday as the city celebrated the lifting of an 18-year ban on the spectacular three-day kite-flying festival.
“I am pleased to announce that Basant celebrations timings are being extended till 5:00 AM tomorrow morning,” CM Nawaz said in an X post on Sunday, highlighting the festivity, unity and joy across Lahore.
“This extension is a reward for the people of Lahore for celebrating Basant with great discipline and for responsibly following all safety SOPs (standard operating procedures).”
The Punjab government banned metallic or chemical-coated strings. Kites and strings had to bear individual QR codes so they could be traced, and motorcyclists had to attach safety rods to their bikes to fend off stray thread.
Some 4,600 producers registered with the authorities to sell kites and strings ahead of the festival. Authorities had made it mandatory for owners to register rooftops with 30 or more revelers, while dozens of roofs had been declared off-limits after inspections.
“Please continue to celebrate safely, stay away from electric wires, secure your rooftops, and follow all guidelines,” Nawaz said. “Let’s make this historic Basant joyful, safe, and memorable for everyone.”
