As Pakistan is unable to curb the coronavirus pandemic, another UAE-based airline – Etihad Airways – decided to suspend their flights operation from the country, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.
The decision was taken as the coronavirus-infected people arrived in Dubai through the flights operated from Pakistan in recent weeks.
A day earlier flydubai – a UAE government-owned budget airline – decided to suspend its flights operation from Pakistan with immediate effect from June 25 (Thursday). However, sources say, the previously scheduled flights for Lahore, Multan, Islamabad and Karachi from Dubai would be operated Thursday.
Similarly, Etihad Airways announced the suspension of flights operation from Pakistan for an indefinite period. However, the flights from Abu Dhabi and cargo flights from both countries would be operated as per schedule.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Emirates had temporarily suspended passenger services from Pakistan. In a press release, it said, “We regret to temporarily suspend passenger services from Pakistan, from 24 June 04:00 Pakistan LT, until early next week.”
“In the meantime, Emirates will continue to operate repatriation flights into Pakistan as per the announced schedule, and continue to operate cargo services that support the trade and movement of goods between Pakistan, UAE and our global network,” said the airline.
“We remain in contact with the relevant authorities on requirements to resume services for travellers and look forward to operating our flights again soon. Affected customers will be contacted directly by our service team. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
These travel restrictions came as Pakistan is among those countries which are unable to stop the coronavirus spread.
It witnessed another 148 coronavirus-related deaths during the past 24 hours (Wednesday) after which the death toll in the country climbed to 3,903.
On the other hand, 4,044 people tested positive for the coronavirus during the same period. It means a total of 192,970 cases have so far been officially reported in the country.