Four PIA pilots suspected of having COVID-19

KARACHI: Four pilots of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have been suspected of having coronavirus after they returned from Britain.

According to sources, the four-member of PIA cockpit crew include two first officers and two pilots who have been shifted to an isolation facility at a private hotel in Karachi where their tests will be conducted. The PIA authorities have now sealed the plane and taking specimens from its cockpit.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Airline Pilots’ Association (PALPA) on Sunday banned pilots from operating special flights after coronavirus related SOPs have been ignored.

A statement released by PALPA reads stated, “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.

PIA has partially restored its flights operation to Britain. Several flights had already left Islamabad for the UK and more are planned to take off in the next few days.