British Airways resumes flight to Pakistan amid coronavirus

LONDON: British Airways announced to resume flight operations for Pakistan, signaling the continued importance of ties between the two countries.

According to a statement from British High Commission in Islamabad, the airline confirmed that it would start direct flights three times a week to and from Heathrow Airport and Islamabad.

The statement said, “The first flight will land in Islamabad on 14 August, and will be taking extra precautionary measures for the safety of its crew and passengers.”

The British Airways informed that the passengers will be required to wear masks and will have access to hand sanitisers during the flight due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  

British High Commissioner Christian Turner said that this was an important moment for UK-Pakistan links. “The resumption of British Airways direct flights is a big boost for the travellers who travel regularly between our two great nations, many who have had their travel plans disrupted by the pandemic.

“I’d like to thank the Government of Pakistan, British Airways, and my team in Pakistan who have worked hard to deliver this welcome news,” he added.

British Airways direct flights restarted in June 2019 after a break of 10 years. The carrier first flew to Islamabad in 1976. Earlier this year, British Airways was seeking to lay off a quarter of its pilots hurt by the coronavirus.