Emirates Etihad Pakistan

Emirates, Etihad and Fly Dubai suspend flights from Pakistan

Etihad Airways on Thursday suspended its flight operations from Pakistan, a day after several passengers who had travelled to Hong Kong by another airliner tested positive for Covid-19. Emirates and Etihad have already suspended outbound operations.

An official of Etihad Airways said that the outbound flights of Etihad Airways had been suspended till July 1.

Inbound flights will continue to operate 

He didn’t give any reason for the suspension of flight operations from Pakistan but hinted that the suspension of outbound flights might be exte­nded. However, he added, inbound flights would continue to operate for Pakistan.

Read more: Performance of PIA vs other airlines across the world during Corona

Cargo flights will also continue to be operated bilaterally. The airline also said that flights to Pakistan are being constantly monitored.

Etihad Airways resumed its two weekly flights from Karachi and Lahore on June 13 after a gap of 55 days and was planning to operate flights from Islamabad. The airline earlier suspended flights to Pakistan on March 21 to contain the spread of coronavirus.

 

The airline said that the booked flights will be refunded in accordance with its policy.

Other airlines follow suit amid spike in coronavirus cases

Etihad Airways is the third airline of the UAE after Fly Dubai and Emirates to have temporarily suspended its flight operation for outbound passengers.

Read more: Airline industry will face revenue shortage of $314 billion in 2020: estimates IATA

Just a day ago, Emirates, which had been operating flights from Pakistan to Dubai, had temporarily suspended passenger service from the country until next week. However, Emirates will continue to operate repatriation flights into Pakistan as per the announced schedule and continue to operate cargo services.

Read more: Covid-19’s effect on airlines more devastating than 9/11 fallout

A spokesman for the airline said: “Following the announcement of positive Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong relating to certain passengers who travelled on out flights, Emirates has taken the decision to temporarily suspend passenger services from Pakistan.

The airline said that the booked flights will be refunded in accordance with its policy.