Domestic, special flights resume countrywide

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced on Thursday the resumption of domestic and special flights across the country, however, the airports in Turbat, Pangjur, Dalbandin, Zhob, Pasni, Mohenjo Daro, Nawabshah, and Bahawalpur would remain closed.

The CAA issued a formal notice, according to which the previous notice banning the domestic flights had been cancelled. According to the CAA notification, the government of Pakistan decided on Thursday to resume the domestic and special flights across the country.

"Government of Pakistan has been pleased to allow Domestic Flight Operations to/ from all Airports except Turbat, Pangjur, Dalbadin, Zhob, Pasni, Moenjodaro, Nawabshah and Bahawalpur airports, with effect from midnight of 6th August, 2020, PST," read a CAA tweet.

The domestic and international flights were suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic across the country. The CAA said that all special and scheduled flights would have to comply with the regulations, while special planes would also be allowed to operate from all airports.

“All operators will be required to implement the established guidelines, SOPs, and to seek prior schedule approval from the Competent Authority. Moreover, Cargo, Special flights and Private Aircraft Operations will also be available for all Airports subjected to compliance with relevant SOPs,” it said in another tweet.

Pilot licences

According to Express News, the CAA has reinstated 26 pilots of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) who were suspended over fake licences issue. The report said that other captains, belonging to private airlines and flying clubs were also restored.

Quoting sources, the report also said that the duty roster of the restored captains had been restored, and the captains can start flight duty from Friday. A PIA spokesman said the list of the restored captains had not been received yet.