PIA gets permission to operate more flights to Saudi Arabia

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Monday obtained permission to operate more flights to Saudi Arabia.

The development comes after the Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority lifted ban on direct travel from Pakistan and several other countries from December 01 as the Kingdom continues to ease coronavirus-related restrictions.

Saudi Arabia suspended all international flights in March 2020, following the coronavirus outbreak. It allowed entry to the kingdom by air, land and sea in January, 2021, though it was not applicable to many countries, including Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia helped obtain permission to operate more flights to the Kingdom. PIA Country Manager met with Ali Rajab, an official of Saudi Arabia s General Authority for Civil Aviation.

According to the spokesman, the number of weekly flights to the Kingdom has been increased from 33 to 48, with 8 flights to Dammam, 8 to Madinah, 9 to Riyadh and 23 to Jeddah.

The PIA chief Arshad Malik said the national flag carrier had always been at the forefront in meeting the travel needs of Pakistanis. “We will get permission for more flights from the Saudi government if needed,” he said.