LAHORE: British Airways has resumed direct flights to Lahore as the airline’s first flight touched down at Allama Iqbal International Airport on Tuesday after nearly forty years.
Flight BA-259 with 214 passengers on board took off from Heathrow airport and landed in Lahore airport in the wee hours of the morning. A cake was cut at CIP lounge to mark the resumption of the airline’s flight operation.
The airport manager and other CAA officers were present on the occasion to welcome the passengers. The flight will fly back to London with more than 200 passengers on board.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Christian Turner said that British Airways used to operate to two cities in Pakistan but after 40 years, the airline has resumed its operation to another city, Lahore. He welcomed the British Airways first flight to Lahore which will increase connectivity, people-to-people ties and business investment.
“The first-ever British Airways flights to Lahore is a sign of confidence in Pakistan, and the deepening ties between our two countries. I hope it will open up even more opportunities for business links, people-to-people ties, and tourism,” British High Commissioner said in a message.
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, British Airways announced a range of measures to keep the passengers safe including checking-in online, downloading boarding pass, and where possible self-scanning their boarding passes at the departure gate.
The airline urged passengers to observe social distancing and using hand sanitizers that are placed throughout airports. Under the SOPs, passengers are directed to use new contactless, automated features at lounges, including new online food and drink service. Passengers should wear a facemask at all times and bring enough to replace them every four hours for longer flights.
BOAC used to operate to 2 cities in ???????? – now after 40 years, ???????? is back! Welcome @British_Airways first flight to Lahore, increasing connectivity, people-to-people ties & business investment #UKPakDosti pic.twitter.com/4mMy0ko9st
— Christian Turner (@CTurnerFCDO) October 13, 2020
