2 PIA flights with Canadian nationals on board depart for Toronto

LAHORE: Two special flights left Pakistan for Canada on Thursday with air passengers, on the request of the Canadian government. The PIA flights left Lahore and Karachi airports to airlift 600 Canadian nationals, who had been stranded in Pakistan due to suspension of flights in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. Before boarding the planes, all passengers were screened for the novel coronavirus symptoms and their luggage was also disinfected. Prior to departing for Toronto, the airport staff undertook extensive screening of passengers and their luggage was sprayed with disinfectants, while the PIA top management was present at the airport to monitor the process.

A spokesperson for the PIA said that both flights would return to Pakistan without passengers. He urged the public to contact the PIA offices to reserve their flights, and prefer online booking and ticketing to avoid crowds.

The government has extended the date of suspension of domestic flights from April 2 to April 11, but flights from Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu will continue to operate as usual.