Coronavirus Outbreak: Govt. withdraws permission for special PIA flights to UK, Canada

The government has withdrawn permission for four special flights of the national carrier to Toronto, London, Manchester, and Birmingham amid a rise in the number of coronavirus cases across the United Kingdom and North America, according to Pakistan International Airlines.

There is a change in plans now as it was earlier reported that the national flag carrier will bring stranded Pakistanis from the UK and Canada via special flights amid lockdown.

In this regard, a new statement has been issued on PIA’s official Twitter handle.

The new notification reads:

“Attention Passengers: Islamabad (March 26, 2020) In view of the recent spike in the number of diagnosed Corona cases in the UK and North America, Government of Pakistan keeping the health and safety of citizens in consideration, has withdrawn the permissions to allow PIA to operate to these territories.

In view of that PIA is canceling the planned special flights to Toronto, London, Manchester and Birmingham scheduled for Friday and Saturday. PIA regrets the inconvenience caused to the passengers, however, would like to assure that passengers and crew’s safety and health is always the foremost important element for PIA.

The changing dynamics may be regretful but the pandemic is forcing authorities and governments globally to continuously review their strategies to fight this challenge and get maximum protection.

Please contact the PIA call center for more information and updates on our operations normalization. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay indoors. PIA Great People to Fly with”.