KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) stopped its flight operations from Karachi on Sunday after four pilots were suspected of contracting the coronavirus.
Chief Executive Officer Air Marshal Arshad Malik has issued immediate instructions to ground the planes. Four pilots were stopped as part of precautionary measures against the virus.
Meanwhile, PIA international flight operations are partially restoring as a special flight carrying 327 passengers left for London on Saturday night, after the strict screening of the passengers at the health desk at the airport.
The PIA’s spokesperson said that another flight will leave for London on Sunday from the Islamabad airport.
It may be noted that the PIA was allowed to operate eight special flights for London and Manchester.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Airline Pilots’ Association (PALPA) on Sunday prohibited pilots from operating special flights after COVID-19 related SOPs have been ignored.
A statement issued by PALPA said, “It has come to our notice that on recently operated “humanitarian flights” safety has been compromised and COVID-19 related SOPs have been ignored”. The safety and health of our crew members has always been and remains our utmost priority. PALPA will in no circumstances compromise on the safety of its members,” it added.
Meanwhile, PIA international flight operations are partially restoring as a special flight carrying 327 passengers left for London on Saturday night, after the strict screening of the passengers at the health desk at the airport.
The PIA’s spokesperson said that another flight will leave for London on Sunday from the Islamabad airport.
It may be noted that the PIA was allowed to operate eight special flights for London and Manchester. – TLTP
PIA stops Karachi operation as four pilots suspected of contracting corona
