Pakistan reopens airports to outbound int’l pax ops

Pakistan has allowed outbound international flights to resume, after the country largely closed its airports to scheduled commercial passenger flights from March to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Pakistan’s civil aviation authority (CAAP) on May 29 said as per a decision of the Federal Government, outbound international flights (scheduled, non scheduled and charter flights) were allowed with effect from 0000L (1900Z), May 30. “Both national and foreign airlines shall be allowed to operate from all international airports of Pakistan with exception of Gwadar and Sukkur. SOPs [standard operating procedures] 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 CAAP said. Abdul Sattar Khokhar, senior joint secretary at the civil aviation authority, said in a statement that airlines may carry passengers from Pakistan to international destinations. Still, flights to Pakistan could carry cargo but not passengers.