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ISLAMABAD: A new private airline is set to be launched in Pakistan to promote tourism in the country.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued TPRI (Tourism Promotion and Regional Integration) license to a private airline named North Air. The new airline plans to operate flights for Gilgit, Skardu, Chitral and Gwadar.
The airline will initially operate flights between Islamabad-Gilgit, Islamabad-Skardu, Islamabad-Chitral and Islamabad-Gwadar. The head office has been established at New Islamabad Airport.
The government has been making efforts to promote tourism in the country. The national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had commenced direct flights from Lahore to northern areas. The airline has also announced to operate weekly two flights from Karachi to Skardu to facilitate tourists.
In February, it was reported that three new airlines on have sought the Regular Public Transport (RPT) permit to operate domestic flights across Pakistan.
The three new airlines Q-Airlines, Fly Jinnah and Jet Green Airlines have sought permission from the CAA to operate domestic flights in the country. The scrutiny of two Q-Airlines and Fly Jinnah was reported to have been completed while Jet Green Airlines was still underway. The request had been forward to the Aviation Division the license will be issued after the approval from the federal cabinet.
NCOC allows to reopen tourism industry from May 24
The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) has allowed to reopen the tourism sector under SOPs from May 24.
A statement issued by the NCOC said all hotels and guesthouses will be required to acquire negative coronavirus report from tourists. They are also required to ask for identity cards from tourists and those who have been vaccinated will have to submit a vaccination certificate.
According to the announcement, rooms without vaccination certificate will not be booked for people above 50 years of age. After July 1, hotel staff will not give rooms without vaccination certificate to people above 40 years of age.
A room can be booked for a single person or for two adults and children. Tour operators and hotel management will be required to provide data on all travelers, and foreign tourists will be required to comply with test, quarantine and vaccination policies.
According to the NCOC, health declaration forms will be filled up by tourists at the entrances to tourist destinations must ensure availability of masks and sanitizers. The NCOC has also directed the concerned departments to ensure fines and other penalties over non-implementation of SOPs
