With constant decline in reported Covid-19 positive cases in Pakistan, British Airways has resumed flight operations in the country. According to the spokesperson of the airline, British Airways will initially operate three flights per week to Pakistan between London’s Heathrow Airport and Islamabad International Airport. The first of these flights landed in Islamabad on 14 August 2020, while maintaining the strict standard operating procedures required to prevent spread of the coronavirus. The passengers and crew members were required to wear masks throughout the flight and hand sanitizers were ensured to be made readily available.
British Airways had announced last month of its intention to restart flight operations in Pakistan when the decline in Covid-19 positive cases became evident. Following the announcement, the British High Commissioner in Pakistan, Christian Turner, said: “The announcement is another important step in reconnecting the trade ties and people-to-people ties between the UK and Pakistan. The resumption of British Airways direct flights is a big boost for the hundreds of thousands of 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.” [1]